After a 1st half that saw SSF and Shaheen play to a 2-2 tie, things looked grim for South City as half number two got underway. Their center midfielder and captain, Bobby Quinlan was dealing with a nagging groin strain, Their leading scorer Blair Smith had come off just before the half with an injury to his knee. Midfielder Omar Nawabi was also fighting thru a hamstring problem, and forward Fabio Marques had to eventually call it a day as his hamstring forced him out of the match. Shaheen had taken the lead at 3-2 and then Goalkeeper Abner Ramos was called for a foul in the penalty area for a collision with a Shaheen player. They were awarded a penalty kick. Then things changed on a grand scale. Ramos came up with a brilliant save on the penalty kick to keep the game close. Blair Smith who had re-entered the match midway thru the half, fired home a rocket from 20 yards out after a corner kick to level the score at 3-3. The defense stepped up to have an incredible half with amazing play from Paul Pavich, Scott Ellis, Hany Helmy, & Damian Martin who was making his first start with the team. The midfield controlled the tempo with stellar play from Quinlan, Nawabi, Leo Monteiro, Damian Hites & Gareth Lea who had opened the scoring in the 7th minute with a beautiful strike from just outside the 18 yard box. After Shaheen scored to equalize, Quinlan ripped home a powerful shot from almost the same area, tucking it just inside the right post for a 2-1 lead. Marques and Smith continually made runs and created chances against a stuborn Shaheen defense. As things seemed to be going South City's way in the 2nd half, goalkeeper Ramos picked up his second yellow card and was sent off. Scott Ellis came off the field reducing the team to 10 men and Luis De Paz stepped into the goal for the last 17 minutes to try and preserve the tie. He did a fantastic job as Shaheen tested him right away, but De Paz was up to the task as he kept Shaheen off the score sheet with some key saves down the stretch. It was a hard fought battle throughout, but SSF didn't let the injuries, or unfortunate breaks get them down. They never gave up and found a way to stay in the match while earning a very important point in the standings. The defense was the key as they played flawlessly, while at the same time working a new player into the lineup. It showed the character of the team and the great chemistry and respect they have for one another. SSF next travels to San Mateo to face the Dinamo in a match next week.
After a 1st half that saw SSF and Shaheen play to a 2-2 tie, things looked grim for South City as half number two got underway. Their center midfielder and captain, Bobby Quinlan was dealing with a nagging groin strain, Their leading scorer Blair Smith had come off just before the half with an injury to his knee. Midfielder Omar Nawabi was also fighting thru a hamstring problem, and forward Fabio Marques had to eventually call it a day as his hamstring forced him out of the match. Shaheen had taken the lead at 3-2 and then Goalkeeper Abner Ramos was called for a foul in the penalty area for a collision with a Shaheen player. They were awarded a penalty kick. Then things changed on a grand scale. Ramos came up with a brilliant save on the penalty kick to keep the game close. Blair Smith who had re-entered the match midway thru the half, fired home a rocket from 20 yards out after a corner kick to level the score at 3-3. The defense stepped up to have an incredible half with amazing play from Paul Pavich, Scott Ellis, Hany Helmy, & Damian Martin who was making his first start with the team. The midfield controlled the tempo with stellar play from Quinlan, Nawabi, Leo Monteiro, Damian Hites & Gareth Lea who had opened the scoring in the 7th minute with a beautiful strike from just outside the 18 yard box. After Shaheen scored to equalize, Quinlan ripped home a powerful shot from almost the same area, tucking it just inside the right post for a 2-1 lead. Marques and Smith continually made runs and created chances against a stuborn Shaheen defense. As things seemed to be going South City's way in the 2nd half, goalkeeper Ramos picked up his second yellow card and was sent off. Scott Ellis came off the field reducing the team to 10 men and Luis De Paz stepped into the goal for the last 17 minutes to try and preserve the tie. He did a fantastic job as Shaheen tested him right away, but De Paz was up to the task as he kept Shaheen off the score sheet with some key saves down the stretch. It was a hard fought battle throughout, but SSF didn't let the injuries, or unfortunate breaks get them down. They never gave up and found a way to stay in the match while earning a very important point in the standings. The defense was the key as they played flawlessly, while at the same time working a new player into the lineup. It showed the character of the team and the great chemistry and respect they have for one another. SSF next travels to San Mateo to face the Dinamo in a match next week.