| Next Match | ||
| v | Academica |
| May 31st, 3:00 PM Southside Park | ||
| Previous Match | ||
| v | Aguias |
| W 3 - 0 | ||
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RSJ: A DynastyIn the end, it was pure heart and soul. The boys from the Real San Juan soccer club notched its unprecedented, fourth consecutive CCSL league title by escaping a late onslaught from Aguias, that left the score knotted at 2-2.In arguably the most difficult season of the four, Real were able to go on a late unbeaten run after losing a 6-3 game in Woodland against Lobos. Most would say this was the turning point of the season. Instead of packing it in, Real challenged themselves and can now enjoy the spoils of victory. Real welcomed back ‘keeper Conor McNulty who back in net in front of starters Kyle Navarro and Utodi Madu at centre back and Trevor Tennant and Kenyon Hill on the wings. Nd Udenyi and Alexis Maurtua operated the flanks with young star Amobi Okugo and Art Temblador in the midfield supporting strikers Chris Gaschen and Eliot Ricks-Chambers. Midway through the first half, Alvaro Delgado and captain Marcos Mercado joined the side, along with Jimmy Frazelle. Attempting to navigate the Southside pitch, RSJ took an early lead on a corner-kick from Temblador that eluded the hands of Aguias ‘keeper Mark Torguson to put RSJ up 1-0, and give “El Emperador” his 2nd goal in two games. Aguias always plays RSJ tough and this game was no different. Their best chance came when a through ball from striker Levi Henson found young midfielder Ade who, one-on-one, failed to get his shot past the advancing McNulty. RSJ was particularly dangerous down the flanks, attempting to exploit weaknesses on Aguias’ wings. Real could have gone 2-0 up at the end of the first half, but a shot from Frazelle blazed wide, leaving the halftime score at 1-0. The second half began with a similar story for Real; playing on the back foot as Aguias pressed forward. The back line of RSJ stood firm, repelling the Reds’ attacks and were given a chance to breathe easier when Gaschen used his thigh to volley in a Temblador corner for a 2-0 lead. In what was a typical Aguias-RSJ game, it was far from over. Aguias came close when a strike from midfielder Matt Scammaca slammed off the post and back into the field of play. Fortunately for them, relief came when a free-kick was knocked around in the box where it fell by the feet of midfielder Jason Gantt, attempting to clear the ball, defender Hill got ball and leg simultaneously and Aguias was awarded a key penalty. Striker Martin Sims stepped up and slotted the ball in the right corner, just out of the reach of McNulty who guessed right. Thoughts of “here we go again” must have run through the minds of the RSJ side, especially when Sims latched onto an Aguias longball and slotted the ball in the net only seconds later. At 2-2, Real was in jeopardy of letting the lead and the title slip away. Nervous minutes followed as Aguias pressed and RSJ stalled, attempting to hold possession. Okugo made himself useful by holding possession for key seconds at the death. As the final whistle blew, a collective roar rose from the Real bench as the win put them at 48 points, enough to edge Turlock side Academica for the league title. For now, there’s a week of rest until the beginning of the season-ending Peri Clark Club which will probably see Real see Aguias once again for another epic battle. (Starting Lineup) McNulty - Hill, Madu, Navarro , Tennant - Udenyi, Okugo, Temblador, Maurtua - Ricks-Chambers, Gaschen Man of the Match: Chris Gaschen |
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