Force Fans in attendance were not disappointed by the Coast Highway Derby, with the LA Force securing a 2-1 victory over Capo FC this Wednesday. The win now puts the LA Force on a 4-game-win streak through all competitions. A very evenly matched bout among the two clubs left NISA fans on the edge of their seats.

 

Capo FC started off the match with high intense pressure with most of the possession in their hands. Multiple crosses into the box were executed, but none were put in the net for Capo. 

 

Momented shifted by the 5’ minute mark with Thompson Hill and Brigida creating opportunities on the left side of the pitch. This side would be crucial to the success for the LA Force. 

 

Both teams did not waste any time with a combined 3 shots on goal in the first 10 minutes and multiple free kicks were also awarded during the opening 20 minutes to increase the chances for both sides. 

 

The high pressure issued by coach Keinan, created a huge opportunity in the 21st minute, with Jovel stripping the ball away from the keeper and laying the ball for an open shot by Brigida. The open shot was blocked well by the defender, but Quist was able to put the ball in the box resulting in an open shot for Cartagena. LA Force go up 1-0.

 

The goal by Cartagena extends his amazing form that he has been on since the NISA Independent Cup Final. Cartagena is making his mark on the LA Force squad, and making Coach Keinan rethink his decision on who starts for the club.

 

Both clubs resumed play for the half with the use of their wingers to penetrate the box. Unfortunately, the Force conceded a goal in the 35th minute by Dylan Shockey. 

 

With seven defenders in the box for the Force, Cole Simes managed to extend the play by going down the line, crossing the ball, and placing it for Shockey to finish. Game was now tied 1-1.

 

The remaining 10 minutes to the half was a shootout for both squads, as both wanted to get the upper hand before the half time whistle. However, the game remained tied, 1-1, at the half.

 

At the start of the second half both teams tried to establish dominance with the use of high pressure. Not much changed for both clubs as the first 15 minutes of the second half resulted in a stalemate. 

 

By the 55th minute, the LA Force turned on the jets, and never looked back. The boys in white and gold continued to dominate possession with constant switching on the pitch along with pinpoint crosses. The LA Force were destined to score one more time, and they would. 

 

After the bombardment of shots taken by the Force, only one shot was needed to take the lead. Dante Brigida who cracked the starting lineup this week scored one of the best goals of the season. A breakaway on the left side of the pitch, with two Capo defenders with him, Brigida decided to thread the needle and shoot for the bottom corner. A remarkable shot was taken, and his teammates were quick to celebrate with him as they knew how difficult the shot was to get off.

 

The LA force were tested against Capo FC, demonstrating just how difficult it can be to secure a win in NISA. The LA Force came away with a 2-1 victory over Capo in smooth fashion. No better way to win a match with an outstanding late goal. Three more points will be added to the table for LA Force, as they will hold first place for another matchweek. 

 

A short week of rest for the Force will be given, as the road trip will continue to take on Irvine Zeta this upcoming Sunday, August 18th, at Championship Soccer Stadium. The match will be the NISA match of the week as once again both clubs are looking to hold down the other in the Western Conference Standings. We hope to see some Force fans in attendance !

 

Vamos Force !!!

 

 

FACTS: 

 

Cartagena not only cracks the starting lineup, but sinks in the first goal of the match to prolong his outstanding form. 

 

Michael Salazar got another assist on the season. 

 

 

TEAM	FIRST HALF	SECOND HALF	FINAL
LA FORCE	1	1	2
CAPO FC	1	0	1

SCORING SUMMARY: 

 

LA FORCE

 

22’ Josue Cartagena

 

75’ Dante Brigida

 

 

 

CAPO FC

 

35’ Dylan Shockey

 

 

 

LA FORCE LINEUP 

 

Seth Torman (GK), Ivan Hernandez, Garrett Hogbin, Ahmed Junior Ahmed-Shaibu, Alexander Thompson-Hill,  Justin Jovel, Bryan Ortega, Josue Cartagena, Dante Brigida, Joel Quist, Michael Salazar (C)

 

Head Coach: Dekel Keinan 

 

Shots: 13       Fouls: 8 

 

CAPO FC LINEUP 

 

Nate King (GK), Dylan Shockey, Manuell Kariuki, Kian Aminloo, Brayan Herrera, Brady O’Neill, Arturo Chavez, Brandon Zambrano, Cole Simes, Parker Scalzo, Abdul Mansaray

 

Head Coach: Peter Carey

Shots: 11       Fouls: 8 

 

 

 

 

LA FORCE RECORD:  9-2-2,  (1st In Western Conference) 

 

 

NEXT MATCH:   

 

LA Force Vs. Irvine Zeta

 

Where: Championship Soccer Stadium

 

Time: August 18th, @ 7PM

 

Live: NISA +