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RSJ Keeps Their Winning Streak AliveReal San Juan kept up their winning ways, securing an important 2-1 victory over a feisty Lincoln side on Sunday. With the win, Real makes sure the CCSL title race will come down to the final weeks of the season.Real dressed fourteen players for the match and welcomed back starting defenders, captain Marcos Mercado and Kenyon Hill, who joined Utodi Madu and Brent Hamilton in the back four. The midfield consisted of Alexis Mautura and Ralph Cazel on the flanks, with John Jones and Dominic Jakubek in the centre of the park supporting the strike partnership of Jimmy Frazelle and Pat Nelle. Real also welcomed newcomer, U-17 defender Trevor Tennant who made his debut. Real began the first half with the better of the first half chances, with the Lincoln ‘keeper making a key save from a Frazelle shot in the early interval. RSJ also came close twice from headers from Cazel, which put the Lincoln defense on notice. The Real defense was rarely threatened in the first half, with the Lincoln offense settling for long range efforts. The turning point in the first half came when an onrushing Lincoln defender tackled Jones from behind, earning a red card in the process. Much like the first meeting between the two sides, Lincoln were now a man down as the first half ended. To their credit, Lincoln started the 2nd half with more purpose and duly took the lead when a mis-clearance by the Real defense, led to a rasping shot from 25 yards out from the Lincoln striker that found the upper corner of the net to put the score at 1-0. Although momentum was on their side, Lincoln fell asleep at the back and allowed Jones to collect the ball at the top of the box, where he eluded one defender, and slotted the ball in the lower corner to knot the score at 1-1. With more space to play with, RSJ had many opportunities to add a couple of goals to the scoreline, but were unable to until a swerving cross (or was it a shot?) from Jakubek from the right side, flew over the head of Lincoln ‘keeper off the post and apparently crossed the goal line. The goal was in doubt until confirmed by the referee’s assistant; 2-1 Real. By this time, Real had introduced Tim Bystrowski into the midfield, who provided pace on the right flank and made several runs on the counter-attack. Lincoln’s best opportunity to tie the score came when a lackadaisical pass by Hill led to a Lincoln counter which thankfully ended with the ball hitting the post; trouble averted. Not a stylish display of football, but effective nonetheless, Real was able to secure a key away win against a stubborn Lincoln side. Up next is an away game against FC Ireland in Orangevale. (Starting Lineup) McNulty – Hill, Mercado, Madu, Hamilton – Maurtua, Cazel, Jones, Jakubek – Frazelle, Nelle (Substitutions) Bystrowski, Gaschen, Tennant Man of the Match: John Jones |
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