06/13/09

06.13.2009 | Men’s Soccer

Sonoma Tie A “Motivated & Determined” Real San Jose 1-1

The Sonoma County Sol took on Real San Jose in league action last Saturday evening. The pace of the game was rather slow as the Sol tend towards and the Sol came out in their traditional 3-5-2 formation. Real San Jose started the game with lots of energy and the Sol looked to play very direct throughout the match. Following a slow start the Sol began to settle in finding their two big target forwards and winning any knockdowns. The first half saw multiple chances for both sides but the match was equal 0-0 at halftime.

In the second half the Sol came out to dominate early. With a corner in the 60th minute, Eric Lafon whipped a nice cross in where forward Nathan Medina was waiting to head it home. Known for his strong left foot Nathan said of the play “I think that may have been the first header I have scored since my youth days”. Never the less the goal put the Sol ahead 1-0.

Later in the second half Medina would have another great chance on goal. Right back Mickey Daly got the ball heading toward goal and took a crack from deep out. Real San Jose keeper was there to make a nice save and but Medina was ready to collect the rebound. Medina tried to bring the ball down but had difficulty getting it under control and eventually his shot was nicked away by an oncoming defender.

Just as it looked like the Sol were cruising to their 12th victory of the season, Real San Jose would find the equalizer in the 82nd minute. It was a scrappy goal but the goal salvaged them a point and helped to keep them in the playoff mix. Said coach Ben Ziemer of the match, “I would have preferred to have gotten a win and some more goals but this was a perfect match to allow us to prepare for our next game against the Timbers. It will be one of the most important games for the club to date”.

The Sol will take on the Portland Timbers on Tuesday, June 16th, in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The game will be played at Santa Rosa High School at 7PM. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.

Article Written By Eric Larson

Nathan Medina/Photo By Laura Arnold