FC Davis and CD Aguiluchos had another eventful matchday on Sunday afternoon complete with goals, ejections and hard fouls.
The two clubs faced each other for the second time in their home and away series. FC Davis was looking to avenge their only loss of the season when they dropped points in a 0-1 result during their trip to Oakland opening weekend.
After handshakes, the match turned quickly in favor of the home side when 5 minutes into the match Evan Barrett took a lay off from Miguel Acevedo at midfield, blew past a host of Aguiluchos defenders and calmly slotted home side netting.
“He’s got superhero pace,” said Man of the Match Steven Guzman. “If he gets a step on you, forget about it. No chance you are catching up with him.”
Shortly after Barretts goal, Guzman answered with his own when Greg Salazars clearance caught the CD Aguiluchos defenders off guard giving Guzman a clear look at goal from midfield. Gliding in on the goalkeeper, he hit the back of the net for the first of his two strikes.
What followed the goal was a bizarre sequence that shaped the rest of the match.
In the 19th minute, unhappy with his midfield play the Eagles head coach made substitutions to try and change the match, including standout midfielder Octavio Guzman.
However, shortly after the away side went down a man when a referee argument off a foul put the the away side to 10 men in the 24th minute.
The rest of the half saw FC Davis dominate possession, with a couple attacks narrowly missing the mark.
As the teams headed into the locker room, The Golden Lions knew they just had to keep producing more of the same.
“We were in a good spot,” said FC Davis goalkeeper Kris Schultz. “Up two goals. Up a player. Playing well. One more goal and we felt it would be completely over.”
That moment came five minutes after the half when Steven Guzman once again found the back of the net. Allan Espinoza received a a pass on the flank and quickly found Miguel Acevedo who in return found an open Guzman. After fighting off multiple tackles and a brief coming together with the keeper, Guzman slotted home the ball in an open net to put the Golden Lions up 3-0.
"I never gave up," said Guzman. "I kept looking down and had the ball at my feet and next thing I know, its in the back of the net."
Once the home side hit a trio of goals to the visitors zero, the match took a turn for the worse.
In the 55th minute, a foul on Greg Salazar turned into a skirmish that led to an ejection for the home and away side.
Alongside the two players being ejected, the CD Aguiluchos coach was sent to the stands for entering the pitch and confronting the referee.
Once play resumed, it was more chippy play.
In the 79th minute, another red was shown to the away side for a foul on FC Davis Dash McNamara which put them down to 8 men.
More chances came for the home side but no goals. At the final whistle, it was a 3-0 for FC Davis over CD Aguiluchos.
“A huge win for the team,” said midfielder Onah Power. “Some confrontations you never want to see on the field in front of our home fans, but this puts us in prime position for a playoff spot and to make a run higher up the table.”
FC Davis now sits in third place and in playoff standing, two points clear of fourth place and six points behind second place with six matches to go.
Video highlights out tomorrow with the voice of FC Davis Danny Gonzales!
Match Notes
- With the win, FC Davis now has a 7 match unbeaten streak with 2 wins and five ties.
- The team was walked out onto the field by the Davis AYSO Nighthawks
- Miguel Acevedo is now leading the team in goals and assists
- Greg Salazar will miss at least the next match with his red card
- Phot from Don Lex and Lucky Duck Images
Next Home Match
The Golden Lions next home match will be Saturday night June 2nd, 7:00PM at Aggie Football Stadium.
This is AYSO and UC Davis student night!
Be on the lookout for our promotions at Woodstock’s!
Injury Notes
For the first time all season, the team is currently free of injury.