Albion Hold Shutout for Another Victory
Albion Pros gets their second win of the 2016 NPSL season versus Temecula FC in front of an ecstatic crowd in San Diego. Matt Clare and Felipe Liborio put Albion on the board as Temecula’s strong defense and skillful goalkeeper kept them in the game until the second half of the match.
Soccer News: Albion SC Pros pulled off another victory at Mission Bay HS Stadium defeating Temecula FC in its home opener of the season. Over 1,500 people were in attendance to root on the home side in a physical matchup during the second week of the NPSL.
Both goals came in the second half from Felipe Liborio and Matt Clare to give Albion the advantage against a strong Temecula defense.
“Luckily we were able to hold our ground and keep moving forward. We didn’t put our heads down and starting the second half we picked it up,” said Liborio.
Albion controlled possession and created a number of opportunities in the first half but were not able to break the draw. Temecula FC’s physical defense kept them in the game along with stellar goalkeeping from Salem Bortcosh making stops on multiple occasions.
The half was highlighted by a save from Bortcosh as he stopped a cross to Tre Hayes with quick reaction to the ground to keep the score level. A controversial non-call in the box against Hayes erupted the crowd as the fans and Albion players protested.
The match finished a draw at the break to set up an exciting second half full of action. Albion came out looking to take advantage of its opportunities and press up the field.
The first goal of the match came off a cross to Liborio just past the 60th minute mark. Liborio was waiting on the back post and placed the ball out of reach of the goalkeeper to give Albion the lead.
“It was a great cross. Once I saw it go in it was a great feeling to go up one-nil,” said Liborio.
Less than ten minutes later as a series of supporters ran down the sideline to cheer on the team, Clare buried a strike from outside the box to double the lead.
“The play developed pretty well through the midfield. David played a tremendous ball in off a good piece of skill and I was fortunate to put the ball in the back of the net,” said Clare.
Albion celebrated with its home crowd as they were able to pull out the hard fought win at home. Temecula looked to set the tone during the away match but Albion aimed to protect its home turf and provide its fans with a moment of inspiration.
“We had to prove to our fans that this is our house and we’re going to protect it,” said Liborio.
Clare was named man of the match tallying one goal and providing a spark to the team’s victory.
Albion Pros travel to North County Battalion next week on April 16th as they take on their San Diego rival at Del Norte High School.
Check out a recap from head coach Ziggy Korytoski:
