| Next Match | ||
| v | Academica |
| May 31st, 3:00 PM Southside Park | ||
| Previous Match | ||
| v | Aguias |
| W 3 - 0 | ||
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San Juan Defeat a Feisty FC Ireland TeamMuch like a similar meeting between FC Ireland and San Juan at Orangevale Park that ended up 3-2 last year, this year’s away fixture was a hard-fought 3-1 victory.This was the first game after the CCSL winter break and at times, it showed. Despite the choppy state of the pitch, RSJ were able to have enough possession to prove dangerous. The side welcomed two new faces to the starting lineup CSU-Sacramento central defender Adam Owens and University of New Mexico midfielder/forward Chris Wright. They joined a side who started the match with twelve players. FC Ireland took some of the initiative in the beginning of the game, deciding not to let Real dictate early. Despite this, RSJ was able to score first. A head ball won by right back Tim Bystrowski eventually found itself on the right flank and the foot of Chris Gaschen. Gaschen maneuvered past one defender and struck a left-footed scorcher into the net after a wonderful solo effort. They say you are most susceptible to giving up a goal after you score and this phrase was made a reality less than 10 minutes later, when a foul at the top of the Real box led to a free-kick. FCI striker Lucio Orellana’s free kick eluded the wall and ‘keeper Conor McNulty to knot the score at 1-1. RSJ then began to take control the game and were given a great opportunity to go back up by a goal when winger Ralph Cazel was fouled in the box, setting up a penalty kick. As if ‘keeper Thomas Smith has ESP, he guessed right and saved another RSJ penalty (much like last year). Fortunately for Real, they were able to take the lead into halftime when a nicely struck corner by Gaschen eluded all the Ireland defenders and was met with a header by leading scorer Pat Nelle to put his side up 2-1. Real had an opportunity to up 3-1 to end the half but were unlucky when a cross-shot was shot over the bar by the outstretched foot of Utodi Madu. Real came out sluggish to begin the second half, putting McNulty under unnecessary pressure. With the sun glaring, Ireland was able to get past the RSJ back line, but were unable to capitalize on their chances. Real effectively put the game to bed when a corner by Jimmy Frazelle was headed in by big center back Owens to end the game as a contest 3-1. The win kept Real in 1st place by a point over Academica who defeated San Jose 2-1. Up next, is the always difficult Lincoln side at Southside park. Starting Lineup (4-4-2): McNulty – Hill, Owens, Madu, Bystrowski – Gaschen, Wright, Cazel, Ricks-Chambers – Frazelle, Nelle Substitutions: Robinson, Sandoval Goals: Gaschen, Nelle, Owens Man of the Match: Chris Gaschen |
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