A nearly 3 hour commute started the day off for the Valley’s team, as they hit the road to face an always strong Sonoma County Sol team. As the match kicked off, and the home side quickly showed why they are constantly in the playoff race at the seasons end, with a pair of chances early on in the game. A couple of giveaways from the Academica backline lead to Goalkeeper Alonso Lara having to come up big within the first 5 minutes for the away side. Sonoma would go on to control and dictate the first half, and only allowing one shot on goal from Academica within the 1st 45.
As the 1st half was coming to a close, Manny Viegas collided into Sol’s keeper on a ball that was sent into the box. The collision left Viegas with a nasty cut on his head that required medical treatment from the athletic trainer prior to being cleared to go back in the game. The injury would signal the end of the 1st half shortly after.
The second half started off with a bit of controversy as a collision between Academica Goal Keeper and an opposing player from Sonoma left both teams still, waiting for a foul to be called. No foul was called on the collision in the 6 yard box and Sonoma capitalized and put the first goal of the contest into the back of the net. This seemed to awaken the visitors as the game began to slowly shift in their favor.
As the momentum began to swing in their favor, Academica capitalized and saw their first goal of the season. A bouncing ball on top of the 6 yard box saw midfielder Marco Torralva blast one past the outstretched keeper’s hands equalizing the match a one a piece. As both sides exchanged set pieces and opportunities, the game was decided in the 78th minute as Fermin Chaidez was able to beat the Sonoma Keeper and put one away from a difficult angle, giving Academica the lead.
Last time Academica held a lead in Sonoma, the home side was able to pull together a momentous comeback and finish the game with one point a piece. History would not repeat itself this time though. The game finished with a final score, Academica Soccer Club 2, Sonoma County Sol 1.
Academica now hosts Sacramento Gold, who just beat El Farolito, the defending Golden Gate Conference Champions. The Sol will travel to Davis to take on FC Davis.