El Farolito spoiled Contra Costa FC’s debut match as a member of the NPSL with a 3-1 win at Crocker Amazon Park in San Francisco. Farolito jumped out to a two-goal advantage in the first 17 minutes, as Contra Costa’s defense struggled to adjust to Farolito’s quick transitions and physical style of play.
In the 5th minute, Tito Alberto Andrade Arias gathered in a short cross and hit a one-timer that tucked inside the far post. Twelve minutes later, Farolito intercepted a pass near midfield and Julio Herrera’s left-footed shot from well beyond the penalty area gave the goalkeeper no chance. Contra Costa rallied in the latter part of the first half and former CD Aguiluchos USA star Ross Middlemiss got them on the board just before halftime, grabbing his own rebound and tucking it into the net.
Both clubs created plenty of chances in the second half. Contra Costa appeared to be on its way to tying the match when they earned a penalty kick in the 57th minute, but Farolito goalkeeper Jonathan Barona made the kick save.
Farolito nearly scored in the 60th minute, but the shot caromed off of the underside of the crossbar. They put the match away five minutes later when Paolo Alessio Pavone found a hole in the Contra Costa backline and converted the easy finish.
The Oakland Stompers were completely overmatched in a 6-1 loss to Sacramento Gold at Raimondi Park. Six different Sacramento players scored in the match, while Oakland struggled to maintain possession and create chances.
The Gold took a 2-0 lead into halftime, from goals by Nicolaus Medina in the 23rd minute and Austin Wehner in the 35th minute. Veteran striker Matthew Wiesenfarth scored in the 54th minute for Sacramento and Oakland grabbed one back when Ahmad Hatifie scored off of a deflected free-kick from the edge of the box.
Sacramento put the match completely out of reach with goals by David Villegas (64th minute), Ioan Muresan (70th minute), and Francisco Delgado Garcia (86th minute).
The visiting teams also won the other two NPSL matches last weekend as FC Davis beat Napa Valley 1839 FC 2-1 and Academica SC beat Sonoma County Sol FC 5-0.
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