| Next Match | ||
| v | Academica |
| May 31st, 3:00 PM Southside Park | ||
| Previous Match | ||
| v | Aguias |
| W 3 - 0 | ||
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Real Avenges Earlier Loss Against AcademicaIt seems Real San Juan's earlier 6-3 loss to CD Lobos in Woodland has proven to be a turning point in the season. A lesser team would have thrown in the towel on the season, but Real has shown they will not give up their CCSL title without a fight. Since that loss, Real has not lost a game, while giving up only 1 goal in five games.Sunday's game brought league leaders, Academica of Turlock, to Southside Park for a battle between 1 and 2. Real came into the match two points behind the Academica, and a win would put them top of the table, at least temporarily as the Turlock side has a couple games in hand. Real began the game with the back four of Todd Simmons, Brent Hamilton, Utodi Madu and Ralph Cazel in front of goalkeeper Conor McNulty. In midfield, Eliot Ricks-Chambers and Art Temblador operated the flanks with Alvaro Delgado and John Jones controlling central midfield. Up front, Pat Nelle and Jimmy Frazelle were expected to provide the goals. In the first half, chances fell to both sides and Ricks-Chambers in particular had much joy down the right flank and created a couple goal scoring opportunities. If not for some unlucky bounces and solid saves from the Academica goalkeeper, it could have easily been 3-0 in the first half. In particular, a sure goal off the foot of Nelle was cleared inches off the line from the Acadmica defense. On the other end a no-call on a possible off-sides created a one-on-one opportunity between striker Tony Amaral and McNulty, with the RSJ stopper coming up trumps. The score at the half was 0-0. RSJ's depth was proven once again with coaches Mora and Evans being able to call on Dominic Jakubek, who settled into central midfield comfortably and with the pace of striker Oscar Sandoval, a perfect change of pace. Fireworks was the theme of the 2nd half as a hard foul by an Academica player felled Temblador, who took exception to the Academica player's smack on the face. The two players came to blows and both were sent off. Now at 10 v. 10, two incidents involving Frazelle turned the game in favor of RSJ. First, a neat combination between Frazelle and Jones sent the RSJ striker into the box where he was bumped by a defender....penalty. Cazel stepped up and left the keeper with no chance; 1-0 Real. Then, in a moment of madness, an Academica player attempted a poor tackle with studs showing and was duly sent off leaving the Turlock side with 9 players. Even with Real a man up, Academica was still dangerous and should have scored with their winger, Alfredo, rounded McNulty but was unable to finish the opportunity. Real also came close when a Cazel free-kick rattled against the crossbar and was cleared to safety. The game proved to be a bit of role reversal. Real felt unlucky to leave Turlock earlier in the season with a 1-0 loss and in the re-match Academica could possibly feel the same. However, Academica still controls its own destiny in the race for the league title, while Real face San Jose next Sunday. Starting Lineup - McNulty - Simmons, Hamilton, Madu, Cazel - Ricks-Chambers, Delgado, Jones, Temblador - Frazelle, Nelle Substitions - Bystrowski, Jakubek, Gaschen, Sandoval Man of the Match - Ralph Cazel |
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