SSFAC found a way to finally knock off Club Sport Maritimo on Sunday when they pulled out a 4-3 victory. After having struggled against Maritimo the last couple of seasons, South City came out strong and found the net in the 3rd minute when Gareth Lea picked off a pass and sent it to Blair Smith who beat the oncoming Maritimo goalkeeper for the early lead. Although SSF managed the play in the 1st half and had the majority of possession, they found themselves down after the 27th minute by a 2-1 score. It didn't remain that way for long as Smith played a perfect touch pass to Lea who beat the keeper with a low ball to the right corner equalizing the game just 1 minute after the Maritimo score. South City's midfield was controlling the tempo with strong play from Bobby Quinlan, Leandro Monteiro, Damian Hites, Gareth Lea & Omar Nawabi. As SSF started to apply the pressure in the second half, Smith received a pass on the left side about 30 yards out and made a run at goal. As he cut inside the penalty area, he was brought down by a defender which lead to a penalty kick. The High Flyin Brazilian, Fabio Marques stepped up to the spot and calmly converted the kick to give SSF a 3-2 advantage. Four minutes later, SSF struck again and it was Smith involved in the finish one more time. Omar Nawabi beat his man on the left side and sprinted down the wing into the corner as he battled his own hamstring issues. He played a perfect ball across the front of the goalmouth where Smith edged past his man and drove it home for a 2 goal cushion. Maritimo tried to mount an attack to get back in the game, but the South City defense was up to task. Ever Alvarez, Scott Ellis, Reuben Wartens & Paul Pavich were steady in their efforts to close off any attempts from Maritimo. Pavich making his first start with the team, fit right in with his teammates, as they continually frustrated the Maritimo fowards. Abner Ramos came up with another stellar performance in goal as he recorded 7 saves. Marques and Varney Johnson created numerous chances in the second half as they put constant pressure on the Maritimo defense. Only a late goal by Maritimo brought the score close at 4-3, but by then, SSF was in control and on their way to a very satisfying win against a team that wins had been hard to come by.
SSFAC found a way to finally knock off Club Sport Maritimo on Sunday when they pulled out a 4-3 victory. After having struggled against Maritimo the last couple of seasons, South City came out strong and found the net in the 3rd minute when Gareth Lea picked off a pass and sent it to Blair Smith who beat the oncoming Maritimo goalkeeper for the early lead. Although SSF managed the play in the 1st half and had the majority of possession, they found themselves down after the 27th minute by a 2-1 score. It didn't remain that way for long as Smith played a perfect touch pass to Lea who beat the keeper with a low ball to the right corner equalizing the game just 1 minute after the Maritimo score. South City's midfield was controlling the tempo with strong play from Bobby Quinlan, Leandro Monteiro, Damian Hites, Gareth Lea & Omar Nawabi. As SSF started to apply the pressure in the second half, Smith received a pass on the left side about 30 yards out and made a run at goal. As he cut inside the penalty area, he was brought down by a defender which lead to a penalty kick. The High Flyin Brazilian, Fabio Marques stepped up to the spot and calmly converted the kick to give SSF a 3-2 advantage. Four minutes later, SSF struck again and it was Smith involved in the finish one more time. Omar Nawabi beat his man on the left side and sprinted down the wing into the corner as he battled his own hamstring issues. He played a perfect ball across the front of the goalmouth where Smith edged past his man and drove it home for a 2 goal cushion. Maritimo tried to mount an attack to get back in the game, but the South City defense was up to task. Ever Alvarez, Scott Ellis, Reuben Wartens & Paul Pavich were steady in their efforts to close off any attempts from Maritimo. Pavich making his first start with the team, fit right in with his teammates, as they continually frustrated the Maritimo fowards. Abner Ramos came up with another stellar performance in goal as he recorded 7 saves. Marques and Varney Johnson created numerous chances in the second half as they put constant pressure on the Maritimo defense. Only a late goal by Maritimo brought the score close at 4-3, but by then, SSF was in control and on their way to a very satisfying win against a team that wins had been hard to come by.