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| v | Academica |
| May 31st, 3:00 PM Southside Park | ||
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| v | Aguias |
| W 3 - 0 | ||
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Real Defeat Tough Newcomers Santa RosaReal San Juan maintained its long unbeaten streak by defeating newly-promoted side Santa Rosa 3-0 at Southside and remained on top of the CCSL table on 12 points.Santa Rosa came into the season with high expectations after winning the First Division last year and with added firepower this year, they remained many people’s sleeper team. Led by former Cruz Azul player/coach Jorge Fernandez, the Santa Rosa side play possession football, much like RSJ. Real welcomed back into the starting lineup, captain Marcos Mercado, winger Rashid Utush and striker Oscar Sandoval for this important clash. Goalkeeper John Tozer remained between the sticks, deputizing for Conor McNulty. Santa Rosa showed no fear early on and created several opportunities in the first half. Most notably, a free-kick from 35 yards out, eluded the RSJ wall and banged off the crossbar and was thankfully cleared. Real looked fragmented at times, but still showed composure on the ball, especially through the center of midfield with Alvaro Delgado and Amobi Okugo trading passes in some good one-touch football. It was Okugo’s through ball that led to the first Real goal, with striker Pat Nelle latching on, rounding the Santa Rosa ‘keeper and slotting the ball in the opposite side netting. Santa Rosa continued to press, but must have felt unlucky to finish the half down 2-0. A decision by coach Derek Evans led to the second. Evans ordered Delgado to take the corner kick, which the midfielder struck sweetly and was headed in by Sandoval to finish the half strong. The second half proved more comfortable for Real with the squad holding on the ball for long spells during the half. Santa Rosa made two key chances however, with one shot striking the base of the post and the other chipped over the net. Real also came close twice when, first a shot by Okugo was parried by the Santa Rosa ‘keeper and then Delgado’s rasping shot struck off the crossbar. Real made it safe at 3-0 when combination play between Jimmy Frazelle and Okugo led to a finish by Nelle to complete the scoring. For all its efforts, Real learned the lesson of complacency on Sunday and must remain disciplined during its next stretch of games, beginning with a clash with Dixon Leon, a squad that historically has proven to be a match for the boys from Real. Starting Lineup: (4-4-2) Tozer – Simmons, Mercado, Madu, Navarro – R.Utush, Ricks-Chambers, Okugo, Delgado – Sandoval, Frazelle Substitutions: Brambilla, Hill, Nelle, Akinsanya Goals: Nelle (2), Sandoval Assists: Frazelle, Okugo, Delgado Men of the Match: Amobi Okugo, Alvaro Delgado |
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