Santa Clarita Doubles Up on Valley United

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. - Sept. 7, 2016 - PRLog -- By Storm staff writer: Scott Brouillard

The Santa Clarita Storm have been in good form recently, steadily climbing their way up the standings. This past weekend looked to see that trend continue as they hosted rival Valley United. A win would see the team move into the top four and be in prime position for a playoff run.

Derby Matchup

The match started well for the Storm as they seemed to catch the visitors off guard in this Derby matchup. Within the first few minutes they had challenged United's keeper twice. It appeared that it was only a matter of time before they would find the back of the net, and in the 11th minute they were granted just such an opportunity. A foul was called on United just outside their penalty area. Storm assist leader Brett Croft found Albi Skendi who headed past the keeper giving the boys a 1-0 lead. Two minutes later John Lopez received the ball in the midfield, maneuvered his way through the defense and powered home a shot, doubling the home sides advantage. For Lopez that is now 11 goals in his past seven matches.
He would add to that tally in the 35th minute when he blasted a free kick past the United keeper for his second goal of the match and a 3-0 lead for the Storm. That's how the first half would end.
The second 45 started much different as United came out more organized and immediately took the game to the home team. Within six minutes of the restart Michael Shaddock took advantage of some open space and fired a shot from inside the penalty area that beat keeper Israel Mendez. It was surely game on now as the derby began to heat up. In the 56th minute it was that man Lopez again. He wiggled his way through the defense and neatly chipped the ball over the keeper, restoring the three goal cushion for the Storm.
It was an intense match, worthy of a derby as both teams continued to go for it. The match saw eight yellow cards and two red cards, one which came in the 59th minute forcing the home side to finish a man down.
Mere minutes after the ejection, Shaddock again found his way through the Storm defense and neatly placed the ball in the back of the net
It was now 4-2 and United was looking to claw their way back into the match. The Storm, surprisingly did not sit back in a defensive mode, but continued to attack when given the chance. Both teams battled back and forth before United led an onslaught in the last few minutes which forced Mendez to make many huge saves. He came up with them time and again, finishing with 12 saves and earning Man of the Match honors.
The 4-2 victory pushes the Storm into third place over United and SFV Scorpions on goal difference. They look to continue climbing the ladder as they host ARPA FC, who sit one point ahead in second place, this Sunday at Master's College.

Follow the Storm online at http://www.santaclaritastorm.com