12 Apr Match Preview – ASC vs. Oxnard Guerreros
The Calm Before the Storm…
Fresh off a 2-0 victory over the Riverside Coras, ASC looks to continue their momentum this week, aiming for their 2nd win of the season against a fiesty Oxnard Guerreros side. On the surface, the the stats seem to favor ASC – Korytoski’s crew currently sits in 2nd place in the standings, with 4 points on the season. The Guerreros currently sit in 4th, with 3 season points. ASC has also scored more goals and given up fewer than the Oxnard club.
However, the Guerreros have arguably had a tougher run so far. Oxnard defeated FC Arizona 1-0, which ASC tied 3-3. With 3 disallowed Guerreros goals, the game was much more one-sided than the score would indicate. Their only loss this season came against an Orange County side that’s widely-regarded to be one of the strongest in the division.
ASC Hitting its Stride…
As Head Coach Ziggy says, this team is special. After beating the Riverside Coras 2-0 at home last week, ASC looks to press their advantage moving into the heart of the season. The chemistry between attackers Sean Callahan, Michael Turner, and Matt Clare continues to grow – the trio was responsible for both of ASC’s goals, and Jean Antoine earned a shutout in his 2018 debut. The defense, led by Kuba Waligorski, held strong throughout, despite playing the last 34 minutes of the game down a man, due to a questionable Aleks Burkolds red card.
With ASC continuing to improve and gel as a team, look for a fast-paced and disciplined effort. This is an important match for ASC to win. Elsewhere in the league FC Golden State squares off against Temecula FC. If FC Golden State loses, an ASC win could move the club into first place in the table, and in the driver’s seat in pursuit of the NPSL championship.
Playing for a Cause…
As always, there’s more at stake in this game than just the standings. This week’s charity partner is San Diego’s chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves and beaches through a powerful network. Surfrider Foundation focuses on issues pertaining to clean water, plastic pollution, coastal preservation, ocean protection and beach access. Surfrider Foundation San Diego is the organization’s largest and most active chapter, protecting San Diego’s 72 miles of coastline.
Their mission transcends the environment, fighting for social justice in ensuring that all communities have access to clean waterways, regardless of socioeconomic status of the region. Surfider’s current efforts are focused on resolving the toxic water crisis affecting South Bay San Diego and the Tijuana River Valley region. To learn more about this important issue, and learn how you can get involved, come meet the Surfrider San Diego team in person at this Saturday’s game, or click here to read more about it.
The ASC vs. Oxnard Guerreros match kicks off this Saturday, April 14th at 5 p.m. at Mission Bay Stadium. Click here to get tickets.
