Thursday, January 19, 2012

Apache FC look to Winter/Spring season after Cup exit

Apache FC are now setting up for the upcoming winter/spring 2012 +30 LA Municipal League season after bowing out of the Muni double knockout tourney Wednesday with an unfortunate PK loss to Vana SC.

Priority Registration is set for Monday, February 6 through Thursday, February 9, with OPEN Registration scheduled for Monday, February 13. Games are projected to start the week of March 11, 2012.  As current league members the Warriors are entitled to priority registration.

During their third Cup match (a loss to Glendale United last week had dropped the Warriors into the losers bracket), Apache FC came out strong, dominating early play and creating several chances.  However Vana Sc struck first taking advantage of a bad pass in midfield to slot one in at the 23-minute mark.  Apache FC responded five minutes later when midfielder Mike Barthel struck a shot from outside the box which nicked off a defender and powered past the Vana SC keeper.

Early in the second half Apache FC took a 2-1 lead off a long Gerard McManus free kick, which striker Nick Midulla converted in style on the full volley. The squad appeared to be advancing to the next round, but instead of settling into a more defensive position and playing a ball control game, Apache stayed on the offensive, leaving the defense to contend with wave after wave of attacks throughout the final 20.

The wall finally broke with three minutes left on the clock, with Vana SC tying the game during a scramble in the box, where defenders couldn't clear the ball.

The game went to PKs, with the Warriors going first.  Nick Midulla's strike was saved, Sammy X powered one through the keeper, Mike Barthel's effort was cleared away, and Esteban Zelaya slotted a nice one into a corner.  But Vana SC were clinical in scoring all four of their penalties for the win: 2-2, 4-2 PKs.

The Warriors will be holding tryouts soon to fill in some gaps in the current lineup.

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