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Medford, Oregon – San Diego Boca FC (3-1-3) were unable to secure a season sweep of Western Division rival Southern Oregon Fuego (1-0-8) at Spiegelberg Stadium on Saturday night, instead suffering a 2-1 defeat at the hands of their opponents.
Boca FC Head Coach Papo Santos said after the match, “This was not the result that we were working for. A couple defensive mistakes and some poor passing led to quick counterattacks that they were able to convert into goals. Justin [Picou] had a goal that got called back, so that makes all the difference. We really missed a great opportunity to capture some critical points as the playoffs are getting closer.”
Neither team was able to crack the score sheet in the first half, even though Boca FC dominated play. The Fuego attack was hardly threatening, but the visitor’s scoring chances proved to be ineffective. The closest opportunity for either side came in the 27th minute when Boca FC midfielder Abraham Gomez sent a shot past the Fuego keeper, but it hit hard off of the crossbar.
Boca FC came into the second half again dominating play, and were soon able to take the lead. New striker Dan Antoniuk made his presence known in the 55th minute when he slotted a through ball between two Fuego defenders to spring Justin Picou past the defense and beat the Oregon goalie with a one-touch finish. San Diego continued to pressure the home team’s back line, but were unable to find the back of the net.
Fifteen minutes after Boca FC grabbed the lead, Oregon answered back with a goal of their own to tie the score at 1-1. An intercepted pass in Boca’s defensive third created a quick numbers up counterattack, which was calmly finished by a Fuego striker. Only seven minutes after evening the score, the Oregon Fuego were able to intercept another reckless pass from the Boca FC defense and again sent the ball past diving goalie Grant Essig to take the lead 2-1.
There was still hope for San Diego as time expired. Justin Picou, who has been responsible for much of Boca FC’s goals this season, again found the back of the net in the 83rd minute off a cross that was redirected by forward Amir Vafaee. Picou was ruled by the linesman to be in an offside position on the play, however, and the goal was disallowed. Boca FC were not able to convert on a list ditch effort in the waning minutes of the match, and the final whistle meant a 2-1 victory for the home side.
The important thing for San Diego Boca FC now is to continue to fight for the best possible seeding within the Western Division. Tonight’s result makes the chance of a home playoff match at Helix High Soccer Stadium less likely, yet it is still very possible. The team will need to respond in a very strong and organized fashion in its final 3 games, as Boca FC will be taking on three Western Division teams in Sonoma County Sol (2-4-2), Sacramento Gold (5-1-1), and Real San Jose (5-1-3) to conclude regular season play.
Boca FC’s next match comes on Saturday, June 26 at 7:00 pm at Helix High Soccer Stadium against the Sonoma County Sol, whom Boca FC currently lead in the standings by one point for the final playoff spot. Boca FC won the first matchup on the road against Sonoma in a 2-1 thriller on May 9th. It is sure to be an exciting match, as both sides understand the importance of the game and the impact it will have on the standings.
About San Diego Boca FC
San Diego Boca FC is part of the Western Division of the 34-team National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). San Diego Boca FC was founded to promote professional, amateur, and youth soccer throughout San Diego County through a grassroots approach, following that of storied Argentina club Boca Juniors. For more information, visit www.sdboca.com or www.npsl.info.
Boca Soccer Store
San Diego Boca FC also owns and operates the Boca Soccer Store located in Old Town, San Diego at 1919 San Diego Ave, San Diego, Ca 92110.
Boca Soccer Store carries Lotto, Nike, Adidas, Concord and much more. Soccer enthusiasts can browse through our selection of jerseys, cleats, balls, bags, and more. Also, come check out our ESPN Soccer Zone Lounge Area for free viewing of all 2010 World Cup matches including daily Fox Soccer, Gol TV, ESPN Deportes coverage on our 55” HD TV’s.
Matt Gorham
Director of Media Relations
San Diego Boca FC
619.221.8023
info@sdboca.com
mattg@sdboca.com
www.sdboca.com
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