Storm Advance To Second Round of UPSL Admiral Cup
Santa Clarita Storm are enjoying a electrifying start to their United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) Admiral Cup campaign this season as they advanced to a second round fixture to face Deportiro Coras U.S.A. U-23.
The Storm will travel to Riverside April 12 to challenge Deportiro Coras with the teams taking the field Sunday, Apr 19 hosted by Golden Valley High School with a 4pm kick-off for the second leg of a home and home series to determine the winner of this match-up.
With the Storms regular UPSL season not kicking off till next month, they look to advance to the next round by taking down a skilled Deportiro Cora side while preparing for the season ahead. Triumph in the Admiral Cup can give the Storm experience, a chance to fine tune their rhythm and build team unity as well as the prestige of winning a Cup or at the least going deep into a competition with the finals possibly being played shortly after the regular season starts.
This will be the second team the Storm will face in cup play from a lower tier of the UPSL. Deportiro Cora advanced by beating the San Fernando Valley Scorpions as the Storm will be coming off a three week layoff from competitive action after the Storm opened their Cup dreams scoring seven goals (7-1) to defeat the LA Wolves FC Reserves. The Storm advanced behind a strong midfield performance by Andrew Tusaazemajja that secured a back line that only allowed one goal during the fixture.
After winning 5-0 in their last match Storm Head Coach Martín Rubio will make few changes from the last starting eleven he fielded. “We plan to be competitive. Play our game, play strong defense, contain the ball and keep possession and when we strike on offense make them count. Put some balls in the back of the net!” said Coach Rubio who has faced this opponent working with other clubs. “Our style is just now emerging we were typically a defensive style team but with the addition of Tusaazemajja he helped solidify our middle improving our attack.”
Hoping this trend continues it has given the Storm forwards the ability to cut off passes not allowing the other side to develop an offensive tempo. Playing for the first time in Riverside the Storm hope to limit their mistakes taking advantage of away goals having more value than goals scored at home in the Cup format. The Storm look to be inspired by the second match being at home in front of their fans. While enjoying the friendly confines of Santa Clarita will be enough to push the squad to advance to the next round.
The Storm has endured injuries and are wanting to make the side stronger as they are hopeful to regain the services of key players to their starting eleven. Coach Rubio looks forward to the possible addition of players coming of the injured list and fit for action with their team captain Nicholas Rowin, as well as Brett Croft and Abel Hinojosa all looking to get healthy.
The Storm seeks continued success as they compete in this competition for the first time.
Article & Photo © 2015 Malik Basurto
