The top-ranked USL W League San Francisco Glens survived a faceoff against Oakland Soul, while in League 2 action, the SF Glens defeated Project 51O to move into second place in the NorCal Division.
W League – SF Glens defeat Oakland Soul
After taking care of Pleasanton Rage last week, the Glens hosted second-place Oakland Soul on Sunday afternoon at Skyline College. Despite cold and windy conditions, the Glens controlled the match from the start, with SF ultimately claiming a 3-0 victory over Oakland.
“The girls came to play today; tough conditions,” noted Glens head coach Mike Sharabi. But we were prepared for this match. We knew we had a very tough opponent, and the girls executed all over the pitch.”
San Francisco put the Soul under immediate pressure, taking 18 shots in the first half but only scoring one goal. Nádia Gomes set up the SF’s initial strike working a pass around Soul defender Marissa Garcia to open up a simple pass into the box that teammate Andrea Kitahata tapped into the net.
“I think the first goal in any game is always extremely important and kind of let us settle down,” noted Saucedo. “And it made them chase it and chase the game.”
The Glens got the insurance goal they needed in the 57th minute from Yuna McCormack. As the game continued and conditions became even more brutal, the Soul conceded a penalty kick in the 80th minute that was converted by Thy Tran.
“I don’t think we were at our best today,” Soul coach Jessica Clinton said after the game. “I think tactically we’re not there. It’s a disappointment.”
Last week the Soul also lost to California Storm 1-0. With Stockton Cargo winning two games, all three teams are tied on points. The Storm hold the advantage in the race for the second-place spot in for the postseason thanks to a 10-goal differential advantage. California Storm and Oakland Soul also have two games in hand on Stockton Cargo.
Meanwhile the Glens are in the pole position in the league with a 9 point advantage. “This is the position we want,” noted Sharabi. “We’re taking it one game at a time and not looking for playoffs. We’re not looking forward to the next match against these top teams. We’re looking forward to our next match on Sunday against Olympic club. So it’s really about never being satisfied and staying focused and moving on to the next challenge that lies ahead for us.”
- In other NorCal League 2 action: The Olympic Club defeated Marin Sirens 2-1.
League 2 – SF Glens defeat Project 51O
With playoff seeding on the line, second-place San Francisco Glens took care of business against third-place Project 51O on Sunday with a 4-1 victory at their home field at Skyline College.
The Glens were once again led by their star goal scorer Max Chrétien who put two shots into the back of the net in the first half. Luis Saldana pulled one back for Project 51O, but Nonso Adimabua and Gabe Bracken Serra put the game out of reach for the visitors.
- In other League 2 action: Marin FC Legends tied division leaders Monterey Bay FC 2 while Academica defeated SF City 3-1 at Kezar Stadium.
