The LA Force completed a memorable 2-2 comeback tie against their rival, Irvine Zeta, on their SoCal summer night this past Saturday at the Veterans Memorial Stadium. The so-called 405 Derby was named NISA Match Of The Week, and fans in attendance were not disappointed with the action on the pitch. LA Force spectators witnessed goals from El Capitan, Michael Salazar, and player/coach, Dekel Keinan, late in the match to upset a strong Irvine Zeta side. 

 

The lineup for the Force saw the return of Seth Torman in the starting eleven as he did not participate in the recent 7-0 NISA Independent Cup win against Laguna FC. Dekel Keinan also made a NISA regular appearance with his squad. 

 

The Force held most of the possession for the beginning ten minutes of the match, which resulted in only one missed shot by Michelle Alejandro Juarez. 

 

The tides shifted in favor of Irvine Zeta as the outstanding wing play created multiple chances in the box. Especially a 15th minute missed opportunity, as Alex Cuwell shot the ball over the crossbar, keeping the game at 0-0. 

 

The boys in black came close to scoring with two consecutive opportunities to seal the lead. The first by Lomeli, in the 19th minute, with a long shot out of the box that flew over Mitchell North’s head. Bryan Ortega then had an opportunity in the 21st minute that had fans on the edge of their seats. Ortega ,with only Mitchell North standing in front of him, missed the shot way left of the post. 

 

The intensity of the match grew with two yellow cards being issued to Irvine Zeta in the span of five minutes. The first card going to Johansen at the 27th minute, and another going to a key midfielder in Edson Alvarado at the 35th.

 

However, the booking did not stop Zeta, As in the 39th minute, a quick counter attack play, from a missed free kick by the Force, resulted in the first goal of the match scored by Edgardo Artero assisted by Alvarado.

 

Early into the second half Ortega went down due to a collision incident that led to him being pulled out of the match and being replaced by Dante Brigida. 

 

The Force’s defense could not keep up with Zeta, as another goal came along in the 65th minute with Edson Alvarado, snatching his second assist of the match. Alvarado gave an outstanding through ball to Almeida to put it in the back corner to give Zeta a 2-0 lead. 

 

Irvine Zeta continued to apply pressure to the very end, and with the Force team down two goals it forced coach Keinan to add some fresh legs to the squad. Juarez and Jovel were taken out and replaced by Pineda and Cartagena. 

 

With a new midfield, the Force began to outrun the Zeta all over the pitch. Dante Brigida was key to the start of an unforeseen comeback.

 

In the 87th minute, Brigida created an opportunity for himself to put the ball in the box and it landed right in front of Michael Salazar to tap it in and give the Force a bit of hope. 

 

With Zeta one man down, the Force began to push all their players forward to give them one last chance to try and draw the match. Brigida was fouled on his way up the wing in the 94th minute, and the crowd felt how much this chance meant to the club. With Pineda set up to cross the ball, the Force players lined up to try and be the hero of the match. 

 

The ball could not have been more perfect with player/coach Dekel Keinan sinking the ball in the net with a beautiful header. 

 

LA Force have just completed one of the best comebacks of the season. Score was now 2-2 with just seconds remaining in extra time. 

 

A small confrontation occurred for both sides as the final whistle concluded the match a draw. Two players were booked and those names will be released at a later time. 

 

FACTS: 

 

Seth Torman returned to the starting lineup after missing the NISA Cup match.

 

Dekel Keinan scores his first goal of the season to tie the match. 

 

Michael Salazar has now scored in three consecutive NISA regular season matches. 

 

SCORING SUMMARY: 

 

LA FORCE

 

87’ Michael Salazar

 

90+4’ Dekel Keinan

 

IRVINE ZETA

 

39’ Edgardo Artero

 

65’ George Almeida

 

LA FORCE LINEUP 

 

Seth Torman (GK), Ronaldo Lomeli, Dekel Keinan, Garrett Hogbin, Ahmed Junior Ahmed-Shaibu, Justin Jovel (67’ Cartagena), Bryan Ortega (52’ Brigida), Michella Juarez (46’ Pineda), Mouhamadou War (67’ Villatoro), Joel Quist (‘73 Espana), Michael Salazar ©

 

Head Coach: Dekel Keinan 

 

Shots:9       Fouls: 8 

IRVINE ZETA LINEUP 

 

Mitchell North (GK), Greg Stratton, Alex Culwell, N. Egan, J. Ciochetto, Shinya Kadono (C), Edgardo Artero, Edson Alvarado, Andrew Kleszewski, H. Hanson, Geroge Almeida

 

Head Coach: Daniel Gonzalez

Shots: 7        Fouls: 8 

 

LA FORCE RECORD:  6-2-2,  (2nd In Western Conference) 

 

NEXT MATCH: On the road

 

Arizona Monsoon FC vs Los Angeles Force

 

Where: Matt O. Hanhila Field

 

Time: July 24th, 2024 @ 6PM PT

 

Live: NISA +