Soccer News: OSA FC Tacoma 253 Three Points Behind Portland Spartan FC
OSA FC Tacoma 253 is entering an important stretch of the year. It has been a banner season for the expansion side, qualifying for the U.S. Open Cup and playing their first season in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL).
OSA FC Tacoma 253 (2-1-7) is part of the NPSL’s Northwest Conference along with Portland Spartans FC (3-7-1) and only one team will advance to the postseason. Currently, FCT 253 is three points behind the Portland club, but has two more games left to play. Spartans FC has only the one match against Tacoma left.
On Sunday, OSA FCT 253 took off from Sea-Tac Airport to travel to California to challenge Real San Jose, currently ranked fourth in the conference. Tacoma was looking to build some positive momentum heading into the final match of the season.
OSA FCT 253 won the game against Real San Jose on Sunday June 21st, beating the team 4-1. Anyway, whatever the result, the only decisive game will be the one against Portland on June 28th. FCT 253 could win the Real San Jose match and still tie the Spartans FC in the standings. They would still need to win or tie their last game against the Spartans in order to advance to the playoffs.
OSA FCT 253 has less than one week to prepare for the big game. Midfielder Gianmarco Peressini (two goals from 11 games), one of the team’s most valuable players, is out due to an ankle injury. He’s hoping to be ready for the match against Spartans FC.
The good news is that the Italian and American players are playing more harmoniously. The latest Italian arrivals, forwards Enrico Antonioni and Francesco Di Julio, are more comfortable with the rest of the team and are clearly ready for their final two matches. Both scored one goal in their NPSL debut and are hungry for more. FCT 253 head coach Filippo Milano has a brief message for the team’s supporters.
“This match is going to be very important for our men’s team and I’m sure the players will put forth great effort to reach a positive result. I want to invite all of our fans to come supporting our guys.”
FC Tacoma 253 and the Portland Spartans FC will be face off at Starfire Stadium on Sunday June 28th at 6.30pm.
Photo Credit: FC Tacoma 253
