The defending National Premier Soccer League Southwest Conference champions, Albion SC PROS, have risen meteorically after a difficult start to the 20
The defending National Premier Soccer League Southwest Conference champions, Albion SC PROS, have risen meteorically after a difficult start to the 2017 campaign, making an impressive resurgence in recent weeks.
The PROS were on the road on Saturday June 3rd when they traveled to LA Valley College for a meeting with City of Angels FC. Another convincing victory made it their fifth straight, placing them in sole possession of 4th place, 7 points clear of Temecula FC and SoCal SC who are tied for 5th place with 14 points apiece.
A 4-1 victory was the final result, with the league’s top goal scorer Amani Walker bringing his tally to 8 for the season with a hat-trick. Alongside Walker, Sean Callahan was on the score sheet with a tap in with an assist from Michael Sauers, who had a two helpers on the night.
Albion currently sit in 4th with 21 points with 11 matches having been played, one less than the three teams above them.
The PROS next match comes on Saturday, June 10th when Mission Bay High School in Pacific Beach will once again play host to the main attraction as the PROS host another undefeated, 1st place squad, FC Arizona.
A somewhat more difficult task at home will be in store for the PROS than when they faced an undefeated Coras side. FC Arizona is one of the top goal scoring sides in the league, only two strikes behind outright top scorers Orange County FC, but in addition to a formidable attack, Arizona possess the best defense in the league having only allowed 2 goals in 12 matches.
The PROS are no strangers to hosting incredibly difficult matches. Almost every game this season at home could make a case for being a do or die scenario for Albion, and at every juncture the PROS have risen to the occasion, tallying four wins and one loss, that loss coming to Orange County, the other undefeated squad who sit second in the league.
Earlier this season, the PROS traveled to FC Arizona and returned empty handed with 1-0 loss. It was a difficult trip early on for the PROS who struggled on the road from the start, but has seen a complete change once the team gelled.
Dynamic and aggressive football combined with a striker on the streak that Walker has been on is the exact formula for a win this weekend for the PROS. The gameplan should not change for gaffer Ziggy Korytoski. The fact that Arizona has only allowed two in the net this season should not change the attack. The fact that Arizona is one of the best goal scoring squads in the league should not affect the game plan. Korytoski has held to these principles despite early hiccups and it is now paying dividends. Albion PROS have a style of play that they bring to every engagement. A style of play that blends style, pace, aggression, finesse, discipline and focus that is uniquely their.
The PROS will not only need the likes of goalkeeper Jean Antoine, defenders Kuba Waligorski and Frankie Sanfillipo, a strong mid with Felipe Liborio and David Luquen or league leading striker Amani Walker, they will need San Diego, the supporters. Every team is made stronger by its supporters. Supporters can so often make the difference between a win or a draw. That little extra bit of energy that player’s sometimes find can be drawn out by the power of the fanatical horde cheering for the good guys.
The PROS have been making a firm push in the second half of the season to make a deep playoff run, and they have been delivering with winning performances every week. With Saturday being Fan Appreciation Night at Mission Bay Stadium, what better way for the faithful to come out in large numbers to support their PROS in bringing down another undefeated league leader?
Albion SC PROS will be celebrating their incredible supporters with free food, live music, vendors and family fun starting with a Tailgate Party at 4 PM.
Kickoff is set for 6:00 PM and tickets can be found at albionscpros.com.
