| Next Match | ||
| v | Academica |
| May 31st, 3:00 PM Southside Park | ||
| Previous Match | ||
| v | Aguias |
| W 3 - 0 | ||
 |
||
Gaschen's Two Goals Lift Real Over Cruz AzulTwo second half goals by Real midfielder Chris Gaschen lifted Real over an always tough Cruz Azul Sunday at Southside Park. Matches between Cruz Azul and Real San Juan are always intense battles with the west side Cruz Azul fans adding to the atmosphere. This game was no exception. Real started the match with McNulty in goal, Akinsanya, Hamilton, Mercado, and Bystrowski in the back Temblador, Gaschen, Jakubek and Cazel in the midfield and Frazelle and Nelle up top. Cruz Azul proved to be the more dangerous side with Fonseca and Victor Lopez causing problems for the Real defense. Real struggled to find their rhythm on the bumpy Southside pitch. Cruz Azul struck first with a goal on a set piece to make the score 1 - 0. Eager to equalize, Real's attempts to play penetrating balls were either snuffed by the wind or intercepted by the well-organized Cruz Azul back line. The first half ended with Cruz Azul on top and Real slightly frustrated.The second half proved to be a different story for Real. With the wind at their backs, Real was able to find their rhythm and penetrate the staunch Cruz Azul defense. Real's first goal came early in the half when Alvaro Delgado made a run up the left side of the Cruz Azul defense and then played a pinpoint pass behind the Cruz Azul defense. The pass presented a race for the ball between the Cruz Azul 'keeper and Real midfielder Chris Gaschen. Gaschen arrived in time to slot the ball past the 'keeper to tie the score 1 - 1. Gaschen's second goal came in the sixty eighth minute on a play similar to the first goal. Ade Akinsanya snaked his way through several defenders on the left side and lofted a diagonal cross to Gaschen on the far post. Gaschen calmly volleyed to ball into the back of the net to give Real the lead. Both teams had quality scoring chances and Cruz Azul applied a lot of pressure on the Real defense in the final ten minutes. Despite several good Cruz Azul scoring opportunities in the final moments of the game, Real was able to hold on for the victory. Starting Lineup (4-4-2)McNulty - Akinsanya, Hamilton, Mercado, Bystrowski- Temblador, Jakubek, Gaschen, Cazel - Frazelle, Nelle Substitutions: Madu, Brown, Sandoval, Owens, Delgado Goals: Gaschen (2) Man of the Match: Chris Gaschen |
||
 |
||
