| Next Match | ||
| v | Academica |
| May 31st, 3:00 PM Southside Park | ||
| Previous Match | ||
| v | Aguias |
| W 3 - 0 | ||
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Real San Juan: 2006 - 2007 Season In ReviewBy Kenyon HillIt was yet another successful season for the boys at Real San Juan. A 3rd consecutive Central California Soccer League (CCSL) regular season title was secured on the last game of the season against rivals Sporting Club. Throughout the season, the squad demonstrated a perseverance and dedication that is necessary of a league-winning side. Throughout the short history of the club, there has been a consistent theme: excellent individual players, a team ethic and a dedicated coaching staff. The technical staff of Derek Evans, Phil Wright, Ruben Mora and Tom Boon provided the vision and tactical nuances the team required for its victories. Unsung hero (and inspiration), Ruben Mora, Sr. once again was a key catalyst for the team’s success. The team blazed through the regular season like a well-oiled machine. Starting in between the sticks for every contest was Conor McNulty, arguably the finest goalkeeper in the CCSL. An imposing force in the box and excellent on breakaway chances, McNulty was instrumental in the league’s most miserly defense. RSJ’s back four, led by co-captains Brent Hamilton and Marcos Mercado were consistent performers in the heart of the defense with Hamilton’s strength in the air and in the tackle matched by Mercado’s masterful organizing of the defense. Wing-back’s Kenyon Hill, Kyle Navarro, Tim Bystrowski and Jacob Lile kept the CCSL’s best strikers in check. Defender Travis Ryan was also instrumental playing at the center of the back four. The midfield combined graft and elegance with the likes of Alvaro Delgado providing key goals throughout the season, and Donnie Ribaudo, the pit bull in midfield breaking up opponents’ attacks and starting RSJ counter-attacks. The sublimely left-footed Arturo Tremblador was again at his commanding best, and scored two of the best goals of the season, against Academica and in the friendly against the California Victory. The CSU-Sacramento contingent of Eliot Chambers-Ricks, Utodi Madu and Ryan Rhoads were instrumental in adding more talent and youth to the side. Scoring goals was never a problem for Real San Juan. With the likes of Pat Nelle, Jimmy “Gio” Frazelle and Anthony “Mario” Chimienti, RSJ possessed the best strikers in the league. It’s no coincidence that the three star for the Sacramento Knights as well. A key component of Real San Juan sides is its versatility. The depth that RSJ possesses is unmatched in the CCSL. Players like Bystrowski, Hector Gutierrez, Todd Simmons and Alexis Maurtua are able to play almost anywhere on the pitch. Even when the team finds itself playing with 10 or 11 players, such is this versatility that the team is able to win most of those encounters. The CCSL provided Real with all it could handle this year. After a year of inconsistency, AC Cruz Azul emerged as a difficult opponent for Real with Cruz winning once and drawing. Real bogey team, Aguias remained a thorn in their side with two draws against the club. Another of Real’s opponents, Dixon Leon were the only side to beat Real twice, the first a 4-2 win at Southside Park and the second a 3-1 victory over RSJ in the Perri Clark Cup semi-finals. Once again, Sporting were pipped in the closing stages of the season, losing to RSJ 5-3 in a memorable match, thus enabling Real to secure the title for the 3rd year in a row. Another title in the books; another season of triumph for the boys at Real San Juan. |
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