03 Jun Match Recap: ASC opens June matchplay with a 1-2 defeat on the road to Temecula FC
June 2nd, 2019 — ASC San Diego were on the road this past Saturday as they took on Temecula FC in the second leg of the NPSL regular season. Despite opening up the scoring early in the second half, San Diego’s team was not able to maintain the lead as they fall to the Quails after last gasp winner.
The match started off business as usual for ASC as the away side took control of the game almost immediately from the whistle. ASC San Diego’s defensive pressure caused their opponents to enjoy very little build up play forcing Temecula to launch a hopeful long ball up to their isolated attackers much of the night. ASC gave themselves several opportunities to take an early first half lead against the home side as they relied on quick and efficient passing to unlock the Quails defense. ASC’s best opportunity to score in the first half came in the 8th minute when midfielder Ozzie Ramos picked out Mike Semenza on the the right wing after cleaning up a Temecula attack. Semenza took on his defender and launched in a dangerous cross which took a wicked deflection destined for the back of the net if it wasn’t for a heroic goal line clearance from a Quails defender. Although dominating possession, ASC were unable to take advantage of their opportunities heading into the locker room.
With everything to play for in the second half, both sides were looking to make up for a disappointing first 45 minutes. Once again, ASC took off to a brilliant start. Two minutes into the half, Dallin Cutler – who enjoyed a standout performance on the night – exposed his defender to drop a pass that nearly found midfielder Ewout Gouw waiting at the top of the box to unleash a strike.
Just 4 minutes later, Cutler was involved again as he took on his defender, this time drawing a penalty in the 51st minute. After a long protest by the Temecula defense, the referee cleared the box for Christian Enriquez – who scored the 90th minute match winning free kick in the their March game – to step up from 12 yards out. Enriquez made no mistake as slotted in the ball to keeper’s left to give ASC a 1-0 lead.
The lead did not last long however. In the 55th minute, Temecula grabbed an equalizer out of thin air as forward Tarek Nazzal collected a loose ball from 25 yards out and hit a laser of a volley giving ASC goalkeeper Jean Antoine no chance as the ball smashed into the top right corner. Disappointed but not down, ASC increased their intensity to grab a second and all three points. ASC looked like the more likely side to score throughout the half. With continued defensive pressure and possession, it seemed only a matter time for ASC to break the Temecula defense again. Though this was not be the case. In the 88th minute, Temecula made the most of a rare set piece as a Temecula midfielder fired in a cross at the back post which connected with the foot of Nazzal for his second goal of the night and a shock Quails lead. With 4 minutes stoppage, ASC threw numbers forward in attempt to at least ensure a point on the road. Unfortunately 4 minutes were not enough, as ASC fell to the Quails 1-2. It was a highly disappointing result for the ASC faithful as they saw their team last defeat despite playing brilliantly for most of the match.
ASC will be back at home on Saturday June 8th playing the second match of a double header against City of Angels FC at 7 p.m. ASC San Diego Women play San Diego Parceiro Ladies at 4 p.m. to get the excitement underway. Come catch your San Diego soccer heroes in action.
Photo credit : Dereld Photography
—– MATCH RECAP PRESENTED BY SOCCER AMERICA —–
