Sonoma County Sol Top Albion Pros to Advance to NPSL Semifinals
National Premier Soccer League West Region Final Recap: The undefeated NSPL expansion team — The ALBION PROS – hosted the West Region Finals vs Sonoma County Sol FC on Saturday, July 23rd and while the team suffered their first lost of the season, it was still a win for America’s Finest City. The Albion Pros brought together the city’s deep passion for the beautiful game as soccer fans of all ages cheered for a victory that was not to be — at least not for this first year in the NPSL.
Sonoma County Sol defeated Southern California’s Albion Pros 1-0 at Mission Bay High School Stadium as the Northern California side advances to the NPSL Semifinals versus Chattanooga FC this Saturday. Albion Pros conclude their inaugural season in the NPSL with it’s only loss of the season coming against Sonoma County in the West Region Final.
NPSL Soccer News: Albion Pros’ 2016 National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) season came to a close following a 1-0 loss to Sonoma County Sol in the NPSL West Region Finals this past Saturday. Albion Pros were undefeated heading into the weekend as the San Diego NPSL team’s inaugural season was put to the test against a championship caliber side that has seen success over several years, and were the 2009 NPSL National Champions. Sonoma County Sol, which first hit the field in 2004, has created a winning legacy in Northern California bringing home one national title and seven conference titles.
This West Region final was an intriguing matchup – the Albion SC Pros, a team which has experienced unprecedented success hosted one of the league’s oldest and most successful clubs, the Sonoma County Sol.
The Southwest Conference champions — Albion Pros — were one of three NPSL teams out of a total of 82 teams that went into Regional Finals undefeated.
The NPSL match was well attended by over two thousand soccer fans and the action kept everyone glued to the field as both teams fought to score and failed to convert their opportunities — at least in the first half.
Albion Pros’ Tre Hayes opened up the match with two early chances with the attempt scoring only a loud bang off the crossbar and the second shot going wide.
Although the action never slowed, neither NPSL teams were able to get on the scoreboard and the match went into the half time break scoreless.
As the second half kicked off, Sonoma County came out strong with pressuring high up the field — looking to take advantage of the match. While Albion Pros controlled the ball and kept the attacking pressure up, they were unable to get the ball in the back of the net. Then, Sonoma forward Diego Lopez was played a through ball down the middle and successfully scored in the 56th minutes of the match, sending the ball in the back of the net with ease. While Albion never let up the pressure, that was the only goal of the match which ended 1-0. While Albion tried in vain to score a late equalizing goal with great team work from Matt Clare, Jean Antoine, Matt Clare, Felipe Liborio, Kuba Waligorski, Raymundo Reza and Tre Hayes among others, it never happened.
Albion Pros conclude their inaugural NPSL season with the club’s only loss being in the NPSL West Region Final.
“I am extremely proud of this group and what they have accomplished in a very short time. Their work on the field and in the community has left a lasting impression throughout San Diego,”said Albion Pros head coach Ziggy Korytoski.
“Albion Pros from day 1 set out to win a national championship and become San Diego’s team,” said Executive Director Noah Gins. “We were there in the end and we made our goal a reality. I am very proud of what we were able to accomplish this NPSL season and will be back — even stronger — in 2017. San Diego is a strong and vibrant soccer community and #WeAreSanDiego.”
After the loss, Albion Pro players signed autographs for fans. The Albion Pros successfully raised the profile of the NPSL this season and the players — as well as the fans have done their part in building a strong soccer community. While the Southern California team may have been outplayed by their Northern counterparts, the San Diego soccer fans still showered the local players with their loyal appreciation.
Next Up – 2016 NPSL National Championship Playoff: Sonoma County Sol advance to the NPSL Semifinals and take on Chattanooga FC on Saturday, July 30th.
