San Diego Boca FC Secure Postseason Berth With 1-1 Draw Against Real San Jose

June 30, 2010 - PRLog -- San Jose, Ca – San Diego Boca FC (4-3-2) have guaranteed themselves a position in the 2010 NPSL Western Division playoffs by securing a point on the road Tuesday night with a 1-1 draw against Real San Jose (5-2-3).

San Diego Boca FC Head Coach Papo Santos said about the result, “We played well enough to earn three points tonight, but we only came away with one and we will have to settle for that. We have now definitely put ourselves into the playoffs with this draw, and will look to get home field advantage in our next match when we face a tough Sacramento team. Our fate is in our hands at this point so we must perform.”

In similar fashion to the last time these teams met, San Diego allowed the first goal to their opponents. In the 35th minute, San Jose striker Andres Juevas pounced on a loose ball caused by a midfield breakdown and sent a blast at goal. Boca FC goalkeeper Steve Gonzalez was able to make the save, but Juevas followed up his shot to knock in the rebound and stake Real San Jose to a 1-0 lead.

For most of the remaining time, San Diego Boca FC clearly showed to be the better side, as they dominated play in all aspects of the game. They moved the ball very well, continually providing pressure from both sides of the attack through forwards Dan Antoniuk, Justin Picou, and an inspired performance from Amir Vafaee. However, the San Jose defense remained stout, repeatedly repelling Boca FC’s advances.

It wasn’t until the 80th minute that the visitors’ efforts would be rewarded. Recently acquired forward Dan Antoniuk found the back of the net to mark his first goal with Boca FC off of a 35-yard free kick to even the score at 1-1. Coming from just left of the goal, Antoniuk’s strike was simply too powerful for the Real San Jose keeper, Jonathan Arellano, who was unable to get a solid hand behind the ball and could only deflect the shot into the goal.

The draw has solidified the standings of the division leaders, Sacramento Gold, and fourth place Bay Area Ambassadors, who will face one another in Sacramento for their first round playoff match. San Diego Boca FC and Real San Jose sit comfortably in between those two teams, which means that they will be matching up again in the first round. All that remains to be decided is where the competition will take place. If San Diego is able to defeat Sacramento on Saturday night at Helix High School, they will move ahead of Real San Jose into second place in the standings, earning home field advantage for their playoff matchup.

Saturday night’s competition with Sacramento will be sure to provide a challenge for Boca FC, but both sides are easily capable of victory. The first match between these two teams saw San Diego simply appear outmatched, but they will no doubt be looking to send a message to Sacramento and Real San Jose. Kickoff is set for 7:00 pm at Helix High Soccer Stadium, and San Diego Boca FC understand that their playoff fate will certainly be affected by the outcome, which should inspire a powerful performance from the home side.

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, 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
mattg@sdboca.com

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