| Next Match | ||
| v | Academica |
| May 31st, 3:00 PM Southside Park | ||
| Previous Match | ||
| v | Aguias |
| W 3 - 0 | ||
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RSJ Fend Off Nearest Challengers SportingReal San Juan recorded their 5th win in a row, while registering another clean sheet by defeating 2nd place CASA Sporting 2-0 at Southside Park Sunday afternoon.RSJ, fours points clear of Sporting at the beginning of the match, have had some high-scoring contests with the green-and-whites in the past; this was not to be the case as the RSJ defense remained aggressive and disciplined. The first half saw a see-saw battle between the two sides with Sporting coming close after a free-kick from centre-back Robbie Comanschi which flew past the RSJ net. Sporting striker Jason Jones also had two opportunities to test 'keeper Conor McNulty, but found his shot fly over the bar and then his second, gobbled up by the RSJ 'keeper. Unfortunately for RSJ, defender Brent Hamilton, a key member in the centre of defense found himself on the wrong side of a studs-up challenge to the ankle that saw him miss the remainder of the match. RSJ found themselves ahead after an expertly taken free-kick from midfielder John Jones, curled around the Sporting wall and found itself resting happily in the right corner of the Sporting net. It was Jones second goal from a free-kick this year. San Juan also had another golden opportunity when new signing Dominic Jakubek, former 'keeper of both the California Cougars and Victory, was inserted as a striker and found some freedom down the centre of the park. His low shot was nicely saved by the Sporting keeper to deny both him and San Juan. The score remained 1-0 at the halftime break. The 2nd half started off quite nicely for the defending champs as substitute Ryan Rhoads, dubbed "Instant Offense", lived up to his nickname by sliding a low-shot into the net, giving RSJ some much-needed breathing room to begin the 2nd half. The team now began to shut down the fort as the back line of central defenders captain Marcos Mercado and Utodi Madu and wing-backs Kenyon Hill, Tim Bystrowski and Jon Lomeli began to frustrate the Sporting attacks. Madu in particular won several key 50/50 challenges against Sporting striker Jones. In the goal, McNulty made a brilliant flying save to deny striker Zack Matteoli, keeping the clean sheet in tact. McNulty has not allowed a goal now in three games and only two all season. Whenever Sporting and RSJ hook up, it means 90 minutes of hustle and aggressive play and this fixture was no different. Yellow cards were handed out and several players traded tackles as well as some verbal jousting. Fortunately for RSJ they are able to blend skill with a physicality that leaves opposing teams knowing they are a formidable side. Stellar midfield performances were turned in by Alvaro Delgado and Ralph Cazel, while Eliot Ricks-Chambers used his quickness to trouble the defense. Art Temblador, Jimmy Frazelle and Jones were able to prove their defensive mettle as well as skill going forward. The win gave RSJ 15 points on 5 games ahead of their next match, a tricky game against a dangerous San Jose side. -Kenyon Hill |
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