News
REGULAR SEASON FINALE ENDS IN A 2-1 THRILLING VICTORY
Kickoff: Saturday, September 21st, 2024
Where: Veterans Memorial Stadium
Livestream: NISA +
What a way to put on a show for your final regular season home match of the 2024 season. A great finale that will increase the LA Force’s win streak to seven, and a win that keeps Force fans hopeful going into playoffs.
On “Fans Night present by Raising Canes”, the LA Force managed to hold on to a 2-1 score with only 10 men on the pitch. In what was set to be a cruising victory, became a defensive battle for the ages. The Force demonstrated how strong their side is, even down a man.
An extremely one sided first half is what occurred at Veterans Memorial, with the LA Force commanding all parts of the pitch. War, who had his youth team in attendance, would not stop crossing in balls in hopes for a finish in the opening 15 minutes.
War could hear his name being chanted from the crowd as he was constantly applying pressure on and off the ball.
After the early minutes LA Force would maintain possession and attempt to penetrate the box, but not one of the chances would claim glory.
With frustration growing, Ortega would receive his yellow card for foul language, and was given a heavy warning by the official.
However, in the 37th minute, Ortega would respond with an assist to Salazar’s nice finish in the bottom corner. This would be El Capitan’s 9th goal of the season. A costly mistake by a Capo defender left this keeper helpless against two LA Force forwards. (1-0)
It would take just two more minutes for another goal to be banged in for the Force. In the 39th minute, Thompson-Hill would run from his defensive position and decide to try and glide one past the keeper. With a little luck, the powerful shot deflected off a defender and bounced into the goal. (2-0)
Emotions were high for Force Fans as another smooth victory was in their future. Unfortunately, Ortega was booked for his second yellow card and was sent off right before the halftime whistle.
Huge Tactical decisions had to be made off of the booking, as the men in gold and black wanted to defend as much as possible. Quist would replace Salazar at the half to allow Quist to use his pace and keep a threat on the attacking end.
The Force executed well until the 57th minute where a poor tackle resulted in a penalty for Capo FC. The penalty would fly in and Seth Torman would lose his clean sheet.
Energy filled the venue because of the Force fans motivating the boys to keep fighting until the final whistle. With 6 minutes added in extra time the Force had everyone on their toes trying to defend.
The club would take down Capo FC 2-1, and end Capistrano’s season with a loss and will look forward to playoffs.
Fan’s Night presented by Raising Canes, played host to an autograph session for young fans by the players. A great sight to see after a great finish to the regular season.
The LA Force are eager to see if Seth Torman will be selected for the Golden Glove award, as he remains tied with North from Zeta FC.
The future playoff game date will be announced at a later time, until then LA can enjoy this victory and focus on what is to come.
FACTS:
Defense shakeup with Alex Thompson-Hill, Dekel Keinan, Ivan Hernandez, and Erick Villatoro
El Capitan slots in his 9th goal of the season.
Alex Thompson-Hill with his second goal of the 2024 season in all competitions.
|
TEAM |
FIRST HALF |
SECOND HALF |
FINAL |
|
LA FORCE |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
CAPO FC |
0 |
1 |
0 |
SCORING SUMMARY:
LA FORCE
37’ Michael Salazar
CAPO FC
59’ (P) Cole Simes
LA FORCE LINEUP
Seth Torman (GK), Alex Thompson-Hill, Dekel Keinan, Ivan Hernandez, Erick Villatoro, Michelle Juarez, Bryan Ortega, Josue Cartagena Mouhamadou War, Victor Blanco, Michael Salazar (C)
Substitutes
Head Coach: Dekel Keinan
LA FORCE RECORD:
13-2-2, (1st In Western Conference)
CAPO FC LINEUP
J. Martinez (GK), Manuell Kariuki, Dylan Shockey, Marcos Cervantes, Kian Aminloo, Arturo Chavez, Daniel Segal, Liam Linas, Cole Simes, Parker Scalzo, Gustavo Chavez
Head Coach: Peter Carey
CAPO FC RECORD:
4-9-3 (3rd In Western Conference)
