NPSL Home Opener Victory: Albion PROS Edge Oxnard Guerreros in Season Opener
The opening weekend of the NPSL comes to a close as new and tested men’s soccer teams take the pitch for the 2017 season. Albion PROS, San Diego’s NPSL team, proved themselves last year and again showcased their quality on the pitch as they faced off against newcomer Oxnard Guerreros. The well prepared Albion PROS cruised to a win and now head on the road to meet Deportivo Coras USA in the Inland Empire next weekend.
NPSL Soccer News: The soccer season has kicked off for Albion SC PROS who opened their 2017 National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) campaign with a 4-1 victory over Oxnard Guerreros on Saturday night at Mission Bay Stadium in San Diego.
Albion Pros opens its second season — with the goal to reach the 2017 NPSL Championship match this year — after being stalled in the semifinals last campaign.
“There’s unfinished business from last season,” said Albion goalkeeper Jean Antione. “This year we have more experience with the league and will hopefully get to the championship.” Antoine is recognized as one of the best goalkeepers in the NPSL.
Albion PROS got right down to business as they opened the scoring with a goal in the fifth minute from David Luquen. Albion collected the ball on the right side of the pitch as newcomer Sergio Enriquez made an overlapping run down the flank.
Felipe Liborio came crashing in on the first post and just missed the low cross from Enriquez. Luquen was waiting on the back post and finished the opportunity to record the first goal of 2017 for the PROS.
In the 25th minute, Amani Walker scored on an empty net after Guerrero goalkeeper Victor Gonzalez was caught off his line as he attempted to intercept a ball passed over his defense. Walker was able to control Luis Cardona’s perfectly weighted ball as it rolled into the net.
Less than one minute later, the Guerreros got one back when Raul Yepez scored off an assist from Tito Anguiano, cutting the scoreline to 2-1.
In the 42nd minute, a nice lay-off from Liborio opened space for a streaking Luquen who was tackled outside the box. Albion was unable to capitalize on the free kick from 30 yards out as they headed into the break with a one-goal advantage.
In the 53rd minute, Luquen would extend Albion’s lead from the penalty spot after Walker was pulled down in the box.
Four minutes later, Kuba Waligorski tallied a final goal to give the PROS a 4-1 lead and put the match out of reach for the visiting side. Waligorski shook and moved as he kept distance between him and the defender in order to flick a header into the net off a cross from Cardona.
Albion celebrated with its fans as they closed out a strong opening win for the 2017 season. The PROS will get back to work this week and keep the momentum going as the club strives to accomplish another run at an NPSL title.
“It was a great experience. We’ve been in preseason for about a month now and everyone has bought into our goal,” said Enriquez. “We played well tonight, scored four goals — now we have to keep it going.”
As the night concluded, head coach Ziggy Korytoski recognized Oscar Ortega who was diagnosed with cancer last month. Ortega was a member of the squad last season and was on the roster prior to the news.
“Right now, everybody is playing for Oscar,” said Antoine. “We will continue to play and help him through his challenges.”
Albion heads on the road next as they take on Deportivo Coras USA in the Inland Empire on Sunday, March 19th.
