That’s Saul Folks!!

Despite some post-match bickering and a brief math lesson, united pull out narrow victory.

Playa Vista, CA – With several players either injured or unavailable due to scheduling conflicts, manager David Simpson was forced to field an incomplete roster against Del Rey City 90 in Sunday’s afternoon fixture. Fortunately, that roster was able to complete the task at hand.

United started strong, controlling the middle with quick, accurate passing. Skipper Ignacio Rodriguez, and midfielder Damon Manak created a solid center that immediately put pressure on the opposing side. However, it was young J.J. Saul, recently returning from a loan spell in England, who did the most damage to the opposing side. In the first half of play, Saul peppered the goal with several shots from outside before netting three off of assists from both Manak and Rodriguez.

Del Rey City put one past United keeper Ryan Silverman before the break, but in the second half they came out swinging. In ten minutes, they had pulled back two goals to even out the scoreline.

United struck back quickly, though, with a short corner from Rodriguez that Damon Manak powered toward the feet of the Del Rey keeper. The shocked netminder tried his best to collapse on the ball, but its momentum carried it through his grasp as it trickled over the goal line.

Del Rey City was given a chance to equalize one last time when manager David Simpson failed to clear from deep in the United end. The Del Rey players were able to capitalize and balance out the scoreline once again.

Saul wasn’t finished, though, and was able to put United ahead again after a long cross was delivered by Manak from the midfield line. Saul met the cross at the left post with a solid header that burned past the keeper to make the final score 5-4.

At the final whistle, however, the referee had a different score on his card. Several players protested, trying to explain the discrepancy, but it was one of the Del Rey City players who finally set the record straight.

Perhaps the finest moment of the match was the verbal sparring match that ensued between veterans Dave Keffer and Corey Stamp on the sidelines. The two passionately debated their differing opinions about communication and style of play, but in the end, the victory on the field was stronger than their disagreement. The long-time teammates shook hands and hugged it out to end the day on a positive note.

Next week, United face Real Talk in the 3:00pm fixture once again.

story by kef
photo by heidi