Soccer News: Santa Clarita Storm vs. SFV Scorpions Recap
It was in the beautiful confines of The Master’s College with temperatures at game time well into the 100’s with a field temp much higher. But still the Storm with the return of their top goal scorer Brett Croft just edged the visitors, SFV Scorpions, 1-0. The second time in two weeks the Storm have just narrowly beat the Valley rivals by one goal.
The first half of play was a seesaw affair as both teams having possession of the ball and the Storm with the edge. It was just 7 minutes in, when midfielder Jake Hirst with the ball on the right side, worked his way towards the middle and found a slot that he quickly placed a hard on target shot. Unfortunately it found the keepers arms and not the back of the net. In the 36th minute, Croft who intercepted an attempted pass by the Scorpions and from 17 yards back took a shot that just missed the upper V of the Goal. The Storms Kingsley Aning and Tyler Coombes had several opportunities but were unable to capitalize on them. The first 45 minutes ended in a 0-0 draw.
The second 45 minutes after the Storm had time to build up at the half, came out again with pressure and it only took 2 minutes into the half for the attack to begin. Storm midfielder Alex Barahona with the ball to the right of the net worked his way to about 5 yards out, attracted a number of defenders as he slipped a perfect cross pass to the charging Croft who quickly notched his 7th goal in 6 games and what ended up to be the game winner. Croft who just returned from a red card suspension served last week leads the Storm with those 7 goals in the 6 games played.
In the 72nd minute the SFV Scorpions had a look at the game when the midfield gathered the ball and created a breakaway with just him and the Storm keeper Kyle Cunningham. Cunningham has only 3 goals against all season and those on penalty kicks. The attacking midfielder had no idea has Cunningham came out off his line and as the midfield attempted to go around the charging keeper, Cunningham quickly snatched the ball from his feet ending any threat that was created.
The Santa Clarita team will now travel to Glendale Sports Complex next Saturday to face for the second time PanAmerican FC LA, who the Storm beat on the 14th 6 to 0. Kick off for the game is 3:00pm, Get the Storm full schedule at www.santaclaritastorm.com