As the weeks go by, the games in the Majors Division become more intense, and more competitive as teams look to position themselves in the top half on the standings. Last nights game between SSFAC and Palo Alto SC was a prime example. Both teams came out flying, and their intensity was evident as each squad try to out do each other. South City struck 1st when a foul drawn by Ali Ibrahim led to a free kick coming from out of the corner to which Leandro Monteiro sent a perfect drive across the front of the goal for Gareth Lea to head home for a 1-0 lead. After the half, PASC tied the match in the 54 minute and then took the lead in the 74 minute to put SSF under extreme pressure to come back. They did just that, as Gareth Lea, also known as Gerard, stripped a PASC defender of possession, worked his way through 3 other players and deposited a great ball to Blair Smith. Smith did the rest as he beat the PASC keeper to bring SSF level at 2-2 with just 11 minutes left to play. South City then turned it up a notch and did their best to get the game winner, but it wasn't meant to be as numerous chances were just a touch off. SSF received brilliant play from goal keeper Adrian Monroy who made some remarkable saves to keep his team in the game. Also solid were defenders Reuben Wartens, Scott Ellis, Ali Ibrahim, Robert Rustia, Stephen Shaw-Smith & Paul Pavich who was returning from injury. The midfield play of Lea, Bobby Quinlan, Pedro Crispin & Leo Monteiro controlled the game and forced PASC to mainly play long ball to try and break through the SSF line. Blair Smith & Fabio Marques created many chances and wreaked havoc on the PASC defense as they constantly worked their way into the area to fire off shots on goal. SSF next heads to Westmont High in Campbell to face Gordon Biersch next week in another key match.
As the weeks go by, the games in the Majors Division become more intense, and more competitive as teams look to position themselves in the top half on the standings. Last nights game between SSFAC and Palo Alto SC was a prime example. Both teams came out flying, and their intensity was evident as each squad try to out do each other. South City struck 1st when a foul drawn by Ali Ibrahim led to a free kick coming from out of the corner to which Leandro Monteiro sent a perfect drive across the front of the goal for Gareth Lea to head home for a 1-0 lead. After the half, PASC tied the match in the 54 minute and then took the lead in the 74 minute to put SSF under extreme pressure to come back. They did just that, as Gareth Lea, also known as Gerard, stripped a PASC defender of possession, worked his way through 3 other players and deposited a great ball to Blair Smith. Smith did the rest as he beat the PASC keeper to bring SSF level at 2-2 with just 11 minutes left to play. South City then turned it up a notch and did their best to get the game winner, but it wasn't meant to be as numerous chances were just a touch off. SSF received brilliant play from goal keeper Adrian Monroy who made some remarkable saves to keep his team in the game. Also solid were defenders Reuben Wartens, Scott Ellis, Ali Ibrahim, Robert Rustia, Stephen Shaw-Smith & Paul Pavich who was returning from injury. The midfield play of Lea, Bobby Quinlan, Pedro Crispin & Leo Monteiro controlled the game and forced PASC to mainly play long ball to try and break through the SSF line. Blair Smith & Fabio Marques created many chances and wreaked havoc on the PASC defense as they constantly worked their way into the area to fire off shots on goal. SSF next heads to Westmont High in Campbell to face Gordon Biersch next week in another key match.