Jan 17, 2011 -
As promised the 1st home game of the PATS Men's team inaugural season was one to witness. The highly touted PSA Elite team arrived with plans of continuing their 8 game winning streak of the season much like it started with a 2-0 win against the PATS at Concordia University back in Oct.
However, the PATS team is a much improved squad since that original date. The game started with the PATS taking the possession and attack straight at PSA. For most of the 1st half, the play was even for both teams with both having chances to score but coming up empty. The new additions to the PATS team seem to bring the level of the team up significantly. In fact, at the 35th min. Kevin Cornwall finished an attack with a powerful half volley strike from out side the penalty area on the fan side of the Vanguard soccer pitch that left the goalie from PSA forced to only block the strike. Meanwhile, Matt Kristoff who had just been subbed in to the game, followed up the strike and volleyed home the save from near the 6 yard box, beating the PSA goalie, Mike Oseguera for the lead and 1st score of the match.
The lead wouldn't last long, as the 2nd half started PSA pressed and in the 50th min. a well struck cross found a PSA attacker's head inside the penalty area, who flicked it past the PATS goalie for the equalizer.
Much of the 2nd half saw a heated and physical battle that took away from the great competition. Finally, in the 70th minute the PATS attack drew a penalty kick when an attacker was pulled down in the box. Eric Mendoza finished the PK to give the PATS team the lead they wouldn't surrender. Although it would be tested, when in the 80th minute the PSA attack drew a hand ball in the box that the assistant referee would signal for as a foul. However, newly signed Trevor Herrera who had 10 saves in the match, would be equal to the challenge. It was a hard, low corner blast but Trevor read it all the way and was able to react and fly to the shot and block it to safety. Congrats to the team on a well earned victory over a formidable opponent.