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First Place Sol Wins Fourth Straight
May 9 2005
Sol shut out the Sacramento Knights for a 3-0 victory in Sacramento Saturday
night. Goals were by
Andres Flores and
Chris Daly off a beautiful cross by
David Briceño, who also put in the third goal. Goalkeeper
Eric Kronberg got the shutout with the
help of outstanding defensive play by
Steve Purdy and
Michael Briceño.
Saturday’s game
was held before a large and loud crowd at Consumnes River College in
cool, windy conditions. Matt Bernard, the former Sonoma State 2002 National
Championship team goalie, was in net for Sacramento.
Sacramento
began the game aggressively with their direct style of play, sending long
balls over the top for their big, fast forwards. Initially, there was some
confusion in the Sol defense that led to a Sacramento breakaway and a
one-on-one with Sol goal keeper Eric Kronberg who made the impressive snuff.
Kronberg was active in getting to the long balls early and had a strong
night in the net. The combination of 6’4” CJ Sigler, 6’3” Steve Purdy and
6’5” Kronberg proved effective at denying
Sacramento
the high balls in front of the Sol goal. As the game wore on, Sol was
increasingly able to defuse the Knight pressure and launch counter attacks,
although even with the early lead, Sol fans were never really comfortable
until the game was over.
While initially
it seemed
Sacramento
had the more aggressive play, Sol took advantage of a scramble in front of
the Sacramento net and Andres Flores scored a goal in the 22nd
minute. The goal put Sol in the driver’s seat early in the game. Later, at
minute 43, just before the halftime break, a beautiful run by David Briceno
down Sol’s left side, topped off with a cutback and outstanding centering
pass, set up midfielder Chris Daly to volley the ball from about 10 yards
out with a powerful strike that stretched the back of the net…an excellent
way to end the half.
The game was put
out of reach in the 51st minute when David Briceno made another
great run, this time down the right side, cut in and beat Bernard with a
near post shot. Briceno continues to impress Sol fans with his skill, speed
and power. Sacramento
continued to employ the same high pressure tactics until the very end of the
game. Sol had 10 shots to 13 for the Knights. Kronberg was forced to make 8
saves compared to 6 for Bernard.
The crowd and
coaches were buzzing over the play of Steve Purdy in the Sol central
defense. His smooth style, outstanding skill and intelligent play did much
to diffuse the direct tactics of Sacramento. Michael Briceno also had a
strong game at right back.
The win means
Sol is now 4-1-1 on the season with four straight wins and 3 straight
shutouts-one each from Beto Sanchez, Derek Shaffer and Eric Kronberg. Sol
sits at the top of the NPSL Western Division with 13 points. Coming up next
Saturday is a return game with the 2nd place Samba at Salinas.
Saturday
was Sol’s last qualifying game for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Tournament;
Sol must now await the results of next Friday’s game between Albuquerque and
Chico to determine whether the New Mexico team or Sol will take the last
spot in the U.S. Open Cup.
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