San Francisco pulled out a 2-0 win over Puerto Rico FC on Sunday. Here are three things we learned from the game:
1) Deltas win, Miami FC loss sets up home and home series to decide the NASL Spring Season title
Few would’ve imagined at the beginning of the NASL season that the two home and home games between the San Francisco Deltas and Miami FC would decide the champion of the Spring Season in the NASL.
The Deltas entered the weekend seven points behind Miami. However after their victory over PRFC and Miami’s loss to North Carolina on the Fourth of July they are four points back with two matches to go.
Miami FC has been the class of the league, riding a 10 game unbeaten streak before Tuesday’s loss. The team also advanced to the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup last week beating the USL’s Tampa Bay Rowdies and the MLS’s Orlando FC and Atlanta United along the way. They have a chance to make the semi-finals of the Cup with a victory next week over FC Cincinnati.
San Francisco has a tall task ahead of them. They have to go into Miami and defeat a team carrying a plus 13 goal differential.
But if the Deltas can get the win, it would set up a virtual championship game for the Spring Season title at Kezar Stadium on July 15th.
“Hopefully, we’re going to be able to bring a big game the last day of the Spring Season to San Francisco,” said coach Marc Dos Santos.
2) Tommy Heinemann had his best game for the SF Deltas
With San Francisco needing a win the Deltas starting forward delivered.
In the 24th minute, Heinemann skied high at the far post to head in a cross from Danny Cruz, his third of the season in league play and fifth in all competitions.
But the “Caveman” (or “Wolfman” as the Delta Force has nicknamed him) saved his best for his second goal. Finding himself one-on-one with a PRFC defender at the top right of the box he stepped over the ball to create some space and delivered a shot with his left foot. It flew over Puerto Rico keeper Trevor Spangenberg and into the far side of the net.
Heinemann’s play earned him the NASL Player of the week award and an essential win for San Francisco.
3) Christian Portilla is the team’s linchpin
Only two players have played every minute in the league this season for the Deltas. One is goalkeeper Romuald Peiser, and the other is the defensive midfielder Christian Portilla.
The Spaniard quietly and efficiently provides the link between the San Francisco defense and its attack. He often tracks back to fill holes when a winger makes a run up from the back. He also consistently delivers the first ball to start the Deltas dangerous counter attacks.
Portilla also consistently delivers dangerous free kicks on set pieces.
In the 61st minute against Puerto Rico, he almost scored directly from a corner kick. Minutes later he whipped in a free kick to Nana Attakora just in front of goal that forced a great stop from PRFC keeper Trevor Spangenberg.
Without Portilla’s calming presence and ball awareness, there is little doubt that San Francisco would not be in second place with a chance at the Spring Season title.
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NOTES:
The Deltas announced that assistant coach Andrea Di Pietrantonio will leave the team for personal reasons.
“Andrea was an excellent staff member who always worked to make the team better. Unfortunately, he had to go back home for personal reasons,” said Marc Dos Santos. “I want to thank Andrea for his work and commitment during his time with the club. He will always be part of our history.”
Di Pietrantonio had previously worked with Dos Santos at the Montreal Impact before joining the Deltas. As a farewell gift, the players doused the assistant coach with a surprise Gatorade shower after the game.
Taking his place on the Deltas staff will be Marc’s brother Phillip Dos Santos.
“Phillip is not only my brother. He’s an incredible professional with experience in the youth Canadian national teams,” explained Marc Dos Santos. “He worked with me in Ottawa and was an important member of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. He will definitely bring an incredible work ethic and will help the team stay on track with its objectives. We are very happy to have him join our staff.”
