| Next Match | ||
| v | Academica |
| May 31st, 3:00 PM Southside Park | ||
| Previous Match | ||
| v | Aguias |
| W 3 - 0 | ||
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Nelle Shines in Short RSJ WinReal San Juan got back on the winning track with a 2-0 win over CD Lobos of Woodland in a game shortened by controversy. The win put RSJ back on top, ahead of Cruz Azul on goal difference.Real came into the game short-handed given the time of the match (10 am) and a number of injuries to the squad. The team welcomed new signing Omar Martinez who started the game at right back. There were also starts for young stars Chris Gaschen and Ade Akinsanya in the midfield. No one need remind Real that it was the Lobos team that ran RSJ off the pitch last year, inflicting its worst defeat on the club, 6-3. The game proved a turning point for Real, who didn’t lose the rest of the season on their way to the double. Real began the game with control of possession and made the Lobos ‘keeper aware early of their intent. The first Real goal came when combination play down the left flank led to possession by striker Pat Nelle. Nelle swerved past one defender on the touchline and sprinted forward, committing several Lobos defenders. His pass found an unmarked Oscar Sandoval who calmly slotted the ball into an unguarded net. Lobos relied on their quick strikers, hoping to catch Real on the counter, but the center-back pairing of Utodi Madu and Hugo Brambilla were up for the challenge; goalkeeper Conor McNulty was rarely in danger. Real’s second goal came on the heels of their own counter attack when a smart one-touch through ball by Gaschen found Nelle in acres of space, with only an advancing Lobos ‘keeper to beat. Nelle chipped the ‘keeper from 20 yards out to secure a 2-0 lead for Real. Amidst Real’s attacking play, there were several chippy fouls that took place on both sides. One such incident involved a Lobos striker, who kicked out at Madu, earning himself a straight red card and putting Lobos down to ten men. The second half began innocently enough with backup ‘keeper John Tozer getting some time as an outfield player, coming in to partner Madu. The half was barely fifteen minutes old, when Lobos, obviously frustrated by what they saw as inconsistent refereeing proceeded to have two more players sent off for comments made to the referee. Rather than continue with eight men, the Woodland side decided to walk off the pitch in protest. The game ended at 2-0 with Real only having to put in a half’s worth of work. Next up for RSJ are rivals CASA Sporting, 2pm at Southside park. Starting Lineup: (4-4-2) McNulty – Hill, Madu, Brambilla, Martinez – Gaschen, Akinsanya, Ricks-Chambers, Frazelle – Sandoval, Nelle. Substitution: Tozer Man of the Match: Pat Nelle |
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