SD United
Posted: Monday, July 1, 2008 11:29 am
SD UNITED hosted the first place West Coast team on Saturday evening at Valhalla Stadium with their playoff fate on the line. The first half was a chess match of adjustments until UNITED began to create a rhythm of scoring opportunities. Central Mid-fielder Rebekah Patrick, cut through four West Coast defenders off the dribble and narrowly missed the top left corner, lifting the fans to their feet. Moments later, Lindsay Browne posted, turned and beat two defenders in the box before ripping a shot inches wide of the top corner, once again; gasps from the strong fan attendance. With the scored tied 0-0 and the energy on UNITED’s side, West Coast pushed hard in the final two minutes of the first half and created a dangerous crossing ball that resulted in a heart dropping scoring opportunity; 1-0 West Coast at half-time.
The UNITED women walked from the field with an even more difficult challenge at hand; one half of soccer left-down one goal. Half-time Special Musical guests, Universal recording artists PORCELAIN from Australia treated the fans to a few songs including a classic Hendrix inspired instrumental version of the “Star Spangled Banner” for the National Anthem. As the music concluded with a rock and roll finale, the stage was set for the beginning of special second half performance of their own for the UNITED team. Captains Sophia Perez and Rebekah Patrick huddled together with the team on the field, arms linked, eyes focused; Vanessa Valentine contributing passionate challenges for her defensive line to take it to them in the second half.
As the second began, SD UNITED came out strong. This match was only beginning as the true spirit of competition began to unfold. Mid-fielder, Ashli Sandoval struck a free kick from about 45 yards out that was tipped by the goalkeeper and then rebounded off the crossbar and was poked into the back of the net by on-running forward, Amara Wilson, for her first goal of the season. The crowed went wild as the game’s momentum began to turn into “UNITED style soccer” as the goal matched the game at 1-1. UNITED continued the attack with a 35 yard blast from former Women's Mexican National Team player, Lisa Gomez, that ended up in the far upper V-giving UNITED the lead 2-1. UNITED’S pressure forced West Coast into many tough situations leading to several more scoring opportunities. To finalize the onslaught of offense, Jayme Cargnoni, played a through ball to a splitting run by Lindsay Browne who went straight to goal and placed the ball just inside the far-post to put the game out of reach 3-1.
Held together by the division’s leading defense, (only 5 goals allowed) led by Vanessa Valentine and Sophia Perez, the UNITED defense was able to hold on to the lead with very strong performances from Janae Gibbens, Taryn Francel and Lisa Gomez. Leigh Ann Robinson, Rebekah Patrick and Ashli Sandoval were quite the triple threat in the central midfield. Follow the excitement as UNITED prepares for the rematch with West Coast FC on July 12 in Newport Beach and their final home game versus LA Rampage on July 13th at 4pm Valhalla Stadium.
UNITED WE PLAY
www.sdunited.net