In what could be described as a war at times, with John Ferraro 7 sporting its usual dust clouds and absence of anything green (yes grass is green) -- Apache FC took on their nemesis from last season -- Los Andes, the squad that knocked the Warriors out of the spring playoffs.
The game, which got serious very quickly, saw the Warriors go up 2-0 in the first half off a pair of goals from Pep Lupo (6', 30'), one off a PK after Lupo was hauled down in the box. The match saw the return of Alex Martinez after a one game suspension, Mike Barthel (in his first game of the season), and Sammy Xaylitdet, who played a strong 90 minutes in the sweeper role after missing last week's game against GOALFELLAS. Play was rough and chippy at times, but cooler heads prevailed for the first 45.
The same could not be said for the second half when frustration boiled over on both sides. Apache defender Cruz Roque was red carded after retaliating against a Los Andes player who elbowed him (yes the refs missed the initial call ... one thing that was consistent in the game). Not satisfied with that, the Los Andes player then cleated Roque while trying to retrieve the ball from the sidelines ... and all hell broke loose with both squads squaring up. Said player was finally red carded and forced to leave the field. Unfortunately the controversy created enough confusion in what had been a strong defensive effort by the Warriors, allowing Los Andes to slip in two goals before the final whistle ... and leaving the score tied at two.
Only the two top squads qualify for the playoff round, so the Warriors will have to turn the positives from this match -- a gutsy performance and some quality goals -- into a string of wins in the second half of the LA Muni season.
Apache FC face Hollywood United for the second time this season next week at Griffith Park (Oct 4 | 8:50 PM kickoff), a team which has also struggled thus far. Come and cheer on the Warriors in their away blues to a win.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Apache FC striker launches website
Warriors striker Nick Midulla recently launched a new website in support of his career as a guitarist, musician and songwriter.
Check out Midulla's site -- which features news, a bio, sound and video clips and a gallery of his vast array of guitars -- at www.nickmidulla.com.
Currently on tour through Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada and Texas with 'Me and Heath', Midulla returns to soccer action for the squad's rematch against Hollywood United, Sept. 4 at Griffith Park.
Check out Midulla's site -- which features news, a bio, sound and video clips and a gallery of his vast array of guitars -- at www.nickmidulla.com.
Currently on tour through Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada and Texas with 'Me and Heath', Midulla returns to soccer action for the squad's rematch against Hollywood United, Sept. 4 at Griffith Park.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
WARRIORS DROP 5-3 LOSS TO GOALFELLAS
The Warriors snatched defeat from the hands of victory Tuesday night, losing 5-3 to GOALFELLAS after leading the match 3-0 midway through the second half.
On the positive, new signing Sergio Delgadillomunoz capped his first game with a second-half hat-trick.
But the squad fizzled in the final 12 minutes of the match letting in five straight goals to an attacking side which never gave up. Some were defensive errors, some purely a result of a side which never settled into a ball control game to protect their lead, a strategy which pushed a tired back four to contend with half field sprints to chase down GF strikers sent through on the break for most of the game.
The first half saw some luck go the Warriors way with GOALFELLAS missing three clear breakaways, leaving Apache FC rather sullen and quiet at the half-time break. A high defensive line aimed at catching GOALFELLAS offside was only partially successful.
The game-ending breakdown may also have been a result of a lack of subs to replace tired legs as the Warriors had only one.
Hoping to turn around the three-game slide, Apache FC play Los Andes next week at John Ferraro #7 with a 7 PM start. The game will also see the return of midfielder Mike Barthel.
On the positive, new signing Sergio Delgadillomunoz capped his first game with a second-half hat-trick.
But the squad fizzled in the final 12 minutes of the match letting in five straight goals to an attacking side which never gave up. Some were defensive errors, some purely a result of a side which never settled into a ball control game to protect their lead, a strategy which pushed a tired back four to contend with half field sprints to chase down GF strikers sent through on the break for most of the game.
The first half saw some luck go the Warriors way with GOALFELLAS missing three clear breakaways, leaving Apache FC rather sullen and quiet at the half-time break. A high defensive line aimed at catching GOALFELLAS offside was only partially successful.
The game-ending breakdown may also have been a result of a lack of subs to replace tired legs as the Warriors had only one.
Hoping to turn around the three-game slide, Apache FC play Los Andes next week at John Ferraro #7 with a 7 PM start. The game will also see the return of midfielder Mike Barthel.
Monday, September 19, 2011
APACHE FC DROP SECOND LOSS
Sept. 14, 2011: Apache FC suffered its second loss of the season against last year's champs, Armenia Deportivo. Although Armenia have a reputation for playing chippy -- based on last year's red card stats, it was a civilized game with the reigning champs dominating most of the first half. AD scored in the first three minutes with a quick set up on a free kick given up right outside the Apache box.
Starting the game with only 10 players and with no "keeper" per se, saw the odds against the Apache squad from the get go. Star midfielder and all around hustler, Ivan Miller stepped into the keeper's role and made many difficult saves. The entire squad played with guts until the arrival of Trix Taylor to even up the numbers.
The second half actually saw the momentum switch to the Apache side, now with a sub after defender Bryan Moore showed up. However after losing a man to a red card, the battle weary Apache side conceded a late goal to make it 2-0.
The Warriors next tackle GOALFELLAS Sept. 20 at John Ferraro 5 with an 8:50 PM start.
Starting the game with only 10 players and with no "keeper" per se, saw the odds against the Apache squad from the get go. Star midfielder and all around hustler, Ivan Miller stepped into the keeper's role and made many difficult saves. The entire squad played with guts until the arrival of Trix Taylor to even up the numbers.
The second half actually saw the momentum switch to the Apache side, now with a sub after defender Bryan Moore showed up. However after losing a man to a red card, the battle weary Apache side conceded a late goal to make it 2-0.
The Warriors next tackle GOALFELLAS Sept. 20 at John Ferraro 5 with an 8:50 PM start.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
APACHE FC LOSE HEARTBREAKER TO CUP FINALISTS
Sept. 7, 2011: Despite outplaying last season's league cup finalists for much of the game, Apache FC went down 2-1 to Martin Fierro last night in a match which was ultimately decided on a missed handball call in the box.
A strong passing side, Martin Fierro went up 1-0 at the 15-minute mark, against the run of play, when a miscommunication between defenders and Apache Keeper JC Salinaszelaya allowed an MF striker too much time on the ball. The striker chipped the ball over the back line into the net.
Apache fought back, creating numerous chances during the remainder of he first half, in what was a physical but fair match-up. Early in the second half the Warriors saw success, with Salinaszelaya earning his first assist as a keeper ... JC lofted the ball far into Martin Fierro territory, where striker Nick Midulla controlled the ball and swept it past a sprawling keeper.
Both sides saw goal chances knocked away. But the telling play came with 5 minutes left to play when an MF striker controlled the ball with his hands in the Apache FC box ... and the side took advantage of the missed call to tally a second, winning goal. Frustrations saw Apache striker Pep Lupo red-carded for retaliating after a harsh tackle ... and a 10-man side tried for the tying goal, but came up short.
Next week the Warriors will tackle league cup winners FC Armenia Deportivo at John Ferraro 6 with an 7 PM start.
A strong passing side, Martin Fierro went up 1-0 at the 15-minute mark, against the run of play, when a miscommunication between defenders and Apache Keeper JC Salinaszelaya allowed an MF striker too much time on the ball. The striker chipped the ball over the back line into the net.
Apache fought back, creating numerous chances during the remainder of he first half, in what was a physical but fair match-up. Early in the second half the Warriors saw success, with Salinaszelaya earning his first assist as a keeper ... JC lofted the ball far into Martin Fierro territory, where striker Nick Midulla controlled the ball and swept it past a sprawling keeper.
Both sides saw goal chances knocked away. But the telling play came with 5 minutes left to play when an MF striker controlled the ball with his hands in the Apache FC box ... and the side took advantage of the missed call to tally a second, winning goal. Frustrations saw Apache striker Pep Lupo red-carded for retaliating after a harsh tackle ... and a 10-man side tried for the tying goal, but came up short.
Next week the Warriors will tackle league cup winners FC Armenia Deportivo at John Ferraro 6 with an 7 PM start.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)