| Next Match | ||
| v | Academica |
| May 31st, 3:00 PM Southside Park | ||
| Previous Match | ||
| v | Aguias |
| W 3 - 0 | ||
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California Victory Edges Real San Juan 3 -2The California Victory defeated Real San Juan 3 - 2 in a hard-fought game highlighted by spectacular goals. The game began with controversy when Real's left back Kenyon Hill was given a questionable straight red card for a tough tackle on the Victory's Chuck Kim in the fourth minute of the game. After Hill's ejection, the speedy Chuck Kim proved to be quite dangerous on the right flank drawing additional fouls and serving a number of dangerous crosses into the Real penalty box.Real responded with a spectacular goal from center midfielder Art Temblador. Temblador's perfectly hit left-footed shot from five yards beyond the right side of the Victory penalty box floated into the upper left side of the goal to beat Victory goalkeeper Eric Reed. No to be outdone, Victory defender Luis Aguilar equalized with a well-struck low shot into the left side of the Real goal just beyond the reach of Real goalkeeper and fellow USF alumnus Conor McNulty. Both team's traded goal scoring opportunities and tough tackles through the first half. Real goalkeeper Conor McNulty was replaced by Nick Clark when a collision with Victory midfielder Chuck Kim yielded a large bloody cut on McNulty's chin. Real's forwards Anthony Chimienti, Jimmy Frazelle and Pat Nelle were able to create some scoring opportunities in the counter attack, but Real regained the lead with a streak of individual brilliance from Pedro Lupercio. After receiving a switched ball from the left side, Lupercio raced down the right side and launched a shot from 25 yards out that found the upper left side of the Victory goal to give Real a 2 - 1 lead. Real nearly took a 3 - 1 lead when midfielder Alvaro Delgado laid a ball off to Peter Lowry whose shot sailed over the Victory goal. The one player advantage seemed to become more evident in the second half as the Victory began to find their rhythm and dominate the run of play. After several near misses, the Victory equalized in the 50th minute. The industrious Hugo Casillas took advantage of Real's failure to clear or possess the ball and found a wide open Chris Schwarze in the box who calmly scored the equalizer. Looking to regain the lead, Real forward Jason Jones nearly beat three defenders only to have his final touch poke away by a Victory defender. Several long throw ins from Real midfielder John Jones also proved dangerous, but the Victory defense was strong in the air. Deportivo Alaves forward Juan Epitie showed impressive individual skill as he beat two Real defenders to score the game winner in the 70th minute. Real effort to equalized were thwarted by the Victory defense and then match ended 3 - 2. Despite the early ejection, the game proved to be exciting and entertaining. Sacramento soccer fans witnessed some great goals, skillful play and big tackles. Special thanks to the California Victory for making the trip to Sacramento and putting on a good show for Sacramento soccer fans. Special Appreciation goes out to the the following players who graciously guest played for Real San Juan: Nick Clark Clemente Fonseca John Jones Jason Jones Peter Lowry Scott Lucky Pedro Lupercio Marco Ramirez |
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