By Marco Lopez
April 17, 2011
April 17,2011- West Sacramento CA.-The defending 2010 NPSL National Champions Sacramento Gold FC (1-1) squared off against Hollywood United FC (3-1) on Sunday April 17, 2011 at River City High School. Goals from Jose Miranda and Marcus Watson helped Hollywood defeat Sacramento in their first home game of the 2011 campaign.
Coming off of double-header weekend Hollywood United FC, also defeated Sonoma County Sol 4-0, on Saturday, April 16, 2011. In a well rounded performance, the latest NPSL addition, Hollywood United FC scored a total of 7 goals in two games, while receiving none against. United forward Jose Miranda scored twice against Sonoma and twice against the Gold.
In front of a large crowd, Sacramento Gold FC came out playing their usual brand of soccer. With a combination of quick passes and aggressive play, Sacramento looked to penetrate their opponents back line early. Not giving up much space to work with Hollywood United FC imposed a physical tone from the start.
The first goal of the night came after multiple squandered opportunities by Gold FC late in the first half. In the 45th minute of play Hollywood caught Sacramento in a one on one situation after a throw in. Hollywood United’s Jose Miranda beat the Gold defender and scored the opening goal of the night.
The 56th minute of play brought about Hollywood’s second goal. Defender Marcus Watson anticipated the ball well off of a corner kick that seemingly caught Sacramento of guard. The lapse gave Hollywood a 2-0 lead and a tactical defensive advantage.
With this scenario Sacramento was forced to attack more than ever. The shift in stance left a lot of defensive gaps in the Gold backline. In the 82nd minute Hollywood’s Miranda took advantage of the defense and scored his second goal of the match. With the score Miranda improved his personal goal mark while giving his team a commanding 3-0 victory.
After the game Gold FC Coach Ruben Mora Jr. gave credit to his team for the effort but recognized that the team needs to be more concrete with their scoring opportunities. Stating, “We have to put our chances away. Hollywood is a big, physical team. They are a good addition to our league and our conference, but we need to be better at the point of attack.”
Up next Sacramento Gold FC will hit the road to face off against Sonoma County Sol (2-1). The game is scheduled to kick off at 7pm on Saturday April 23, 2011 at Sonoma State University.
For team and game information please contact (916) 842-8745 or visitwww.sacramentogoldfc.com. For all NPSL news and results visit www.npsl.info.
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