The San Francisco Deltas started their inaugural campaign in the NASL with an exciting 1-1 draw at Kezar Stadium. Three thoughts from the game:
San Francisco’s offense is going to run through Kyle Bekker
Midfielder Kyle Bekker scored the first goal for the Deltas in the 31st minute when Danny Cruz cut back a low cross which Bekker one-timed into the net. On the score, he also started the attack after receiving a ball from Jackson at midfield, turning and passing it out to a steaming Kenny Teijsse, who delivered the ball to Cruz.
His play earned Bekker the NASL Player of the Week award. The Canadian international spent the past four seasons in the MLS, and he brings his experience and offensive prowess to the Deltas attack. In the pre-season, Bekker scored a goal and assist against the East Bay Stompers and had the best chances for the Deltas against the Sacramento Republic.
The Deltas are going to have a lot of low scoring games
San Francisco is going to need their defense to be stout because as currently constructed the team is not going to score a lot of goals, at least until the roster gels together. In the pre-season, the Deltas were held scoreless two games and scored a goal in two games. In only one match against the East Bay Stompers, an NPSL 4th Division side, did they score two goals.
That will put a lot of pressure on the back four line of Kenny Teijsse, Reiner Ferreira, Nana Attakora and Karl Ouimette to be perfect. Indy Eleven were able to equalize the match when Tanner Thompson was able to squeeze between defenders Ferreira and Teijsse to score a header in the 58th minute. It is a lot to ask from any back line to be mistake-free game after game.
The opening night atmosphere at Kezar Stadium was magical
For many fans, it’s been a long drought for professional soccer in San Francisco. Although the amateur USL-PDL SF City FC side has been successful, it has been ten years since a professional team, the California Victory, called Kezar Stadium home.
.@sfdeltas CEO @brianhelmick getting in the mix with @SF_DeltaForce! #KezarNights #SFDvIND pic.twitter.com/yrayNwLAb7
— NASL (@naslofficial) March 26, 2017
The announced crowd of 4,133 created a great atmosphere for the home squad. The Delta Force, the supporters group for the team, cheered for the team the whole 90 minutes. It was a fantastic start, and it should be a fun spring and summer of pro soccer in San Francisco.
