News

LA FORCE GRAB THREE POINTS IN 1-0 WIN OVER ZETA FC

Published Aug 20, 2024

Kickoff: Sunday,August 18th, 2024

Where: Championship Soccer Stadium

Livestream: NISA +

The Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine hosted a match full of exciting drama that ended in favor of LA Force, as they took down Irvine Zeta FC 1-0. This was an important win that will give LA Force a 7 point lead in the Western Conference, and Irvine Zeta will now find themselves needing a magical end to the season to catch up.

Shots came flying in the first ten minutes with both clubs having chances to seal the early lead, but none were able to capitalize. Zeta supporters even witnessed a goal declared offside in the early 5 minutes.

However, it only took 14 minutes for the LA Force to score the first and only goal of the match. A beautiful through ball from Cartagena to Brigida led to a deflection off the keeper. Salazar was able to recover possession, dribble past 3 defenders in the box and rip the ball into the net. (1-0)

With Michael Salazar’s 7th goal of the season, LA Force fans erupted at Championship Stadium as the men in gold and black felt the energy like a home game.

LA Force’s midfield continued to dominate through the first half with Justin Jovel and Josue Cartagena connecting to create opportunities and dropping back when needed. The two young midfielders were given the task to dominate the side of the pitch that appeared a weak point in the last matchup. The two would create space for wingers like Joel Quist to take a deep shot as he did in the 27th minute.

With high pressure comes risk, and unfortunately Ivan Hernandez was a victim of that. As a challenge for the ball resulted in a yellow card in the 40th minute.

In the final 15 minutes of the first half most LA Force players would drop back in hopes to prevent a goal, and attempt a counter if possession was obtained. Contant counter attacks were taken by the Force, as in the 30th minute Dante Brigida intercepted a pass, got past a defender through his pace, and put in a cross all in the span of a minute. The Force were nearly perfect in the first half as the score would remain 1-0.

Both teams would start the second half with intensity, as both clubs played with pace trying to catch the other off platform. Neither would succeed until the 50th minute where Justin Jovel caused a foul just outside of the box. The opportunity came of nothing, with the ball being laid off for a shot, but was deflected by multiple Force defenders.

With increased pressure by Zeta FC, another card was issued to Ronaldo Pineda. A close call with a Zeta defender attempting a clearance, Pineda was stuck in the wrong place at the wrong time and resulted in a yellow card.

At the 57th minute Ivan Hernandez was issued another card to have him taken out of the game via a red card. Another red card followed for Irvine Zeta Fc, as an intense chokehold by Fecula caused his ejection from the match.

With both clubs down to ten men, tension filled the stadium with supporters of both clubs cheering for a big finish. At any point the other club can break out with a counter and a goal.

The substitutions made around the 65th minute were the most surprising out of the match, with Dekel Keinan entering for Pineda, and Juarez in for Salazar. Shocked Fans realized the decision was made to defend the goal at all costs and squeeze with a 1-0 win.

The intensity continued for the remaining 30 minutes of the match with LA Force leaving it all out on the field. Zeta FC frustrations got in the way of their amazing attacking abilities, with too many bookings to count for Zeta. The Force used the aggression to their advantage and executed the defensive holding perfectly.

Many would argue it was easier with Dekel Keinan out on the pitch with his men. Regardless, the LA Force came out on top with 7 minutes extra time given. With the sound of the final whistle, Force Fans celebrated with the team on their big victory to put themselves at the forefront as the best team in the Western Conference.

Vamos Force !!!

FACTS:

Cartagena makes another consecutive start for Dekel Keinan’s squad.

Michael Salazar slots in his 7th goal of the season for the Force.