Santa Clarita Storm vs. Deportivo Coras U.S.A. U23
Keys to victory for the 2015 Admiral Cup second round fixture between the Santa Clarita Storm and Deportivo Coras U.S.A U23 will be found in the team who can slow down the others offense. The Storm plays a 4-4-2 formation, while DCU runs a 4-3-3 system giving the mid field a ton of action during the matches. Both teams have fire power putting on scoring displays to advance out of their first round fixtures.
The Storm scored seven goals in the first round to advance against the LA Wolves FC, shutting out the visitors in the second leg with a five to nil victory. DCU scored 12 goals against San Fernando Valley Scorpions in their first match sending a squad of U20’s for the second leg were they only managed a 1-1 draw.
On paper the Storm should have the advantage being a professional club in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) having moved up, while DCU remains in a lower league National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). Both leagues start next month as preparations for the long season have already begun on both sides. However the Storm will be coming off a three week layoff with some of DCU’s players taking part in their season opener for the NPSL Southwest Conference the week before this fixture kicks off.
Both teams have deep rosters with the Storm always giving reserves a chance to earn playing time during practice and DCU who have their Premier squad and their U23 team to choose their fit and top payers from. The Storm is lead by captain by Nick Rowin who they hope to have back from injury after enduring issues with his leg that left him sideline for their last match. DCU was yet to name a Captain for their U23 side looking to keep the squad hungry to earn the right to wear the C for the fixture.
The relatively same line-up will take the field for the Storm they used to advance out of the first round, while DCU will shake-up their line-up trying to get some of their rising stars some action before their league season starts.
The Storm keys to victory are playing their style of strong defense with their mid field play, contain the ball not making mistakes to get shots on goal and have a few get by the keeper. DCU will take a different tactic with their key to victory riding on their ability to stay composed as a young side with revolving players. DCU wants to spread the Storm out to find the holes in their defense taking advantage to exploit their mistakes and attack in the spaces left empty by Storm defenders.
The Storm players managed to gather their goals as a team in the first round with many players getting solo goals contributing to the scoring tally. DCU’s scoring tone was set by Shane who racked up six goals in the first fixture putting on a show during the rout of SFV Scorpions and Pedro Medoza who netted two as well.
Both sides have an emerging style of play with each team’s 2015 campaigns just kicking off. Set plays will be vital as both squads are capable of converting these opportunities. The coaches for both sides will have their work cut out for them. As the Storm’s head coach Oscar Moreno duties will be to get his squad to continue their assault on the next level. DCU is lead by head coach David Trevino who was acquired by the club to create a competitive environment around the facility as management looks to get more from their players.
A key to victory will be both teams mid field superstars as both have midfielders that play pivotal roles in their sides’ performance. The addition of the Storm’s Andrew Tusaazemajja who they acquired in the middle of last season has solidified the defense allowing more attacking opportunities for Storm forwards. DCU’s midfield is anchored by Francisco Magana who leaks up to the front have scored four goals in three games adding an attacking option to a potent front line.
The victory will be determined by a home and home series that gets under way Apr 12 when DCU welcomes the Storm to their home confines Sierra University in Riverside California. The decisive second match and Storm festival will have DCU travelling to Santa Clarita, California, Sunday, Apr 19. The event is hosted by Golden Valley High School kicking off at 4pm PST with one team punching a ticket to the third fixture of the UPSL Admiral Cup.
Article & Photo © 2015 Malik Basurto
