03 May Match Preview: ASC vs. High Desert – May 4, 2019
This Saturday May 4th ASC San Diego is looking for three more points with a victory on the road against High Desert Elite FC. After last week’s come from behind, cliffhanger 2-1 win against FC Golden State, the team is more motivated than ever to head to Adelanto Stadium and continue their 3 match win streak and move up the rankings in the NPSL Southwest conference.
Race to the postseason
The margin that separates the teams in the race to top of the conference is razor thin and all matches are vital to earn to the number one spot. While High Desert Elite FC has been able to muster only one win this season, ASC isn’t looking past them. Three points could mean moving up the rankings and into position for a postseason berth, so all matches bear equal importance. In the High Desert, a change in coaching staff will look to re-energize the Elite as they are determined to give their hometown fans a thrill during their Cinco de Mayo Celebration.
Capitalizing on momentum
After a 3 three week break in NPSL play, ASC San Diego struggled early on only to find their feet in the second half and claimed the win against current league leader FC Golden State at Mission Bay Stadium. Both teams had a bit of an unbalanced start, with lots of aggressive, somewhat controlled chaos in the first half. FCGS was the only team able to capitalize on the many scoring attempts both sides had in the first 45 minutes. They were able to get one past ASC keeper Jean Antoine on a penalty awarded to them in the 34th minute. With a 0-1 deficit the home team headed to the locker room to reset.
ASC started the second half with a new-found life and energy. Their resolve showed immediately when their newest team member Elijah Rice smacked a 25 yarder between the pipes in the 48th minute. This was just the energy needed to set the tone for the rest of the match.
The home squad was able to remain level headed throughout the remainder of the match, and Golden State’s attempts to entice them to engage in less than sportsman like play were thwarted. ASC’s drive and determination was rewarded in the final minute of stoppage when, once again, forward Elijah Rice was in place to receive the powerful cross that defender Eijin Kishimoto delivered into the box from the right side. With a header that beat the diving save attempt from the away team’s keeper, Rice sealed the win and 3 points for ASC San Diego.
Back home
The team will be back home next week, May 12th, to match up with with FC Arizona in what is sure to be an instant classic as these two teams have a mere 3 points separating them in the climb to the top of the Southwest conference number one spot.
Sunday May 12th is also the inaugural match for ASC San Diego’s women’s team! Come watch head coach Eloisa Borreguero lead this newly formed team become the next hometown soccer heroes alongside their ASC counter part men’s team. It will be exciting to see Eloisa’s international play and coaching experience guide this new team the remainder of the season.
So don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to see history in the making. Catch the double header at Mission Bay Stadium with the women’s match starting 2:00 p.m. and the men’s match to follow at 5:00 p.m! Buy 1 ticket, watch 2 games!
—– MATCH PREVIEW PRESENTED BY SOCCER AMERICA —–
