The 2019 FC Davis home opener was a roller coaster of emotions as the Golden Lions and Sonoma County Sol battled to a 3-3 draw.
Sonoma entered the match having a game under their belt, dropping the first match of the season to Academica, 1-2.
FC Davis entered their season opener with a roster full of talent, but needing minutes under their belt to see how the pieces fit together.
Early signs in the match pointed to the Sol already having played a game together, when 5 minutes in Sonoma forward Jose Hernandez slotted away the opening goal off a blazing counter attack.
"Thought we got off to a nervous start," said FC Davis head coach Mark Torguson. "Once we settled into the match we were able to create chances and take some control over the game."
Around the 15 minute mark, the match took a notable shift. After nearly going down 0-2, the Golden Lions began zipping the ball around the field. With their confidence growing, chances started to come.
Shortly after hitting the post, FC Davis 2018 NPSL All-Conference selection Miguel Acevedo grabbed a pass inside the Sonoma box and slotted it home to tie the match at 1-1.
The opportunities kept coming for the home side when shortly after Acevedo's goal, Evan Barrett nearly slipped through the Sol back line only to see the pass travel just out of his reach. Array passes seemed to be the achilles heel of the home side with many of the FC Davis build-ups hitting a road block in the final third.
With half time approaching, Davis seemed to gain a firm footing in the match.
However just before the whistle, Sonoma launched yet another counter attack which was finished off by Maury Lopez to give the Sol a 2-1 lead at the halfway mark.
The second half began with Davis on the front foot. After creating multiple chances in the final third, Andisheh Bagheri slotted home the tying goal off an end to end passing sequence.
Only minutes later Onah Power fired a shot on framed that took a deflection and settled in the back of the Sol net to put the home side up 3-2.
With Davis controlling action and time winding down, it seem the Golden Lions were on their way to an opening night win.
The night would not end as expected when off a full field clearance, the Sol were able to garner a corner with seconds remaining. After a punch out by FC Davis keeper Jon Laughlin, Sonoma picked up the ball and were fouled right outside of the Davis box.
Standing over the free was Maury Lopez, who curled the ball over the FC Davis wall and into the top left corner to score on the very last kick of the game.
"Disappointed not to get the 3 points," said FC Davis head coach Mark Torguson. "Still very happy with the 2nd half display."
The Golden Lions hit the road for their first away match of the season this weekend with a visit to NPSL new-comers San Ramon FC.
FC Davis have their next home match in two weeks when the Golden Lions host East Bay Football Club on Saturday night, April 6th at 7:00 PM.
Injury Report:
- FC Davis captain Allan Espinoza left the match in the second half due to hamstring strain.
- Lizandro Torres is still nursing an ankle injury picked up at training.
Games Notes:
- A special shout out to our walk out participants, the 2010 State Cup Champions Davis Legacy U9 Boys Red team!
- Miguel Acevedo scored the first goal of the 2019 NPSL season for the Golden Lions.