ASU FC Falls Short In First Loss of the Season

TEMPE, Ariz. - Dec. 8, 2015 - PRLog -- Not all battles end in triumph, but there is still a war to be won. This past Saturday was filled with many firsts for both teams. For ASU FC, it was the first time this season they have lost a regular season match. And for the opposition, Gorilla Elite FC, it was the first competitive win of the season. I would be lying if I didn’t note this was the most riveting game of the season. Off the field tension was made evident during the 90 minute bout, but the person who made the greatest impact on the game was not wearing a soccer jersey.

ASU FC fell to a disadvantage by going down 1-0 in the early minutes of the game. From the start of the game, it was absolutely a game of pure grit and determination. Save after save, ASU FC’s starting goalkeeper, Cole Piotti, made a significant impact on the game by saving many close calls and shots from distance. As time progressed and tensions grew, it was apparent the referee was heavily influencing the game. Cleats up tackles went uncalled (for both sides) and instances where there was minimal contact, a card would be given. One of these calls, which wouldn't even be called as a foul in underwater soccer, was called in favor of ASU FC just outside the box of the resistance. A carefully placed low driven ball by midfielder Connor Holbert made a cheeky deflection and caused the ball to shake the back of the net. ASU had tied the game up,  (1-1), mere minutes after the start of the second half.

Elite maintained constant possession in the middle third of the pitch, while ASU FC would counter-attack with great tenacity like Real Madrid. Slowly but surely, the ref was obviously not in the mood to be calling the game, maybe he forgot to eat his breakfast? Regardless of the excuse, there was bad call after, bad call, mainly in favor of ASU FC. Late in the 2nd half,  after an exchange of multiple goal scoring opportunities, a Gorilla's FC player was given his second yellow and ejected from the match. With this boost of confidence, ASU FC had shot after shot but could not seem to find the back of the net.

In the dying minutes of the game, the Gorillas FC striker hustled from box to box and juking an ASU FC player in the process. In an buzzer beater like fashion, he took a touch towards the middle of the box and ripped a shot, far post upper 90. This would be the deadly blow that led ASU FC to their first loss of the season. Final Score: Gorillas FC 2 - ASU FC 1.