13 Jun PROS tie FC Arizona
SAN DIEGO – Calif. The Albion SC PROS tied top-ranked FC Arizona 1-1 in front of a home crowd during Fan Appreciation Night on June 10.
“Player for player, all throughout, we showed very well tonight against a very talented Arizona team. I’m really proud of the guys for what they left on the field,” said Head Coach Ziggy Korytoski.
Action between the two teams began early, as the midfield became a source of consistent pressure. Neither FC Arizona or the PROS created scoring opportunities until almost 30 minutes in.
The first shot on goal came by PROS Felipe Liborio in minute 28. FC Arizona quickly answered with a goal by Cesar Mexia in minute 30 that tipped in behind keeper Jean Antoine off the right post.
After Mexia’s goal in minute 30, the PROS defense held strong. In minute 48, the defense stopped a corner kick that came dangerously close to the left corner of the goal. A deflection by Nicklaw allowed Antoine to move into position and kept Arizona from furthering their lead.
The biggest moment of the game came in minute 80, when a pass from Michael Turner set up Amani Walker for his 10th goal of the season. With the goal, Walker is the current NPSL top scorer, overtaking Lansing United’s Rafa Mentzingen.
“[Walker] is just a treat to coach. He motivates himself. He is every bit of a professional … and he produces,” said Korytoski.
The PROS now turn their attention to another home match on June 17 against Temecula FC as they look to move up from their fourth-place ranking in the NPSL Southwest Division.