GOLD IS ONE MATCH AWAY FROM NPSL PLAYOFFS

By: Daniel Casarez
Vida En El Valle

A single match will determine postseason eligibility for the NPSL defending champion Sacramento Gold FC. The Gold defeated, 5-1, visiting Bay Area Ambassadors (Hayward) in last Sunday’s National Premiere Soccer League match played at Granite Park in Sacramento, California.

Striker Miguel Aguilar led the scoring for Sacramento with two goals, then teammates Manolo Pina, Clemente Fonseca, Marcos Ramirez each scored towards the 5-1 win.

The Gold (6-3-3) has a single home match remaining in the regular season against Sonoma Sol.

Sacramento needs at least a tie against the Sol to gain entry to the NPSL’s West Division playoffs, which a schedule has yet to be determined but likely in mid-July.

Four teams qualify, two from the Flight Northwest and Flight Southwest, from the 10-team West Division.

Sacramento trails Northwest leader Hollywood United (10-1-0); the Southwest leader is San Diego Flash (8-1-3) and second is Santa Ana Winds (8-1-4).

In a pair of matches this season, Sacramento ended with a tie and a win against Sonoma Sol.

“Our guys are playing really good, they gel together and are playing as a team,” said team Manager Ruben  Mora Sr.

“We should have everybody this weekend and they’re healthy. We somewhat have been struggling but it’s a pretty important match because we have to at least win or tie.”

The Gold will be without forward Ernesto Carranza who recently boarded a plane for Mexico after receiving an invitation from Club America.

“I think we can make playoffs, we have a good chance of winning the division,” added Mora.

Kick off for the Gold vs. Sonoma Sol is scheduled for 6 p.m. on July 3 at River City High School.