The National Premier Soccer League's (NPSL) Southwest Conference’s two best teams look to slug it out in an epic battle for supremacy this weekend in
The National Premier Soccer League’s (NPSL) Southwest Conference’s two best teams look to slug it out in an epic battle for supremacy this weekend in sunny San Diego.
Albion SC Pros are heading into this match with an undefeated record of 4-0-3, and are still sitting at the top of the table with five games to play in the regular season. Deportivo Coras USA are coming off a big 4-1 win over Temecula FC last week, and now sit just two points below Albion Pros, making this game one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the season.
Albion Pros are looking to capitalize on their chances this weekend, taking full advantage of playing at home under the Saturday night-lights at Mission Bay High School. Deportivo Coras USA are going to look to break through a well-drilled backline that has only allowed 3 goals all season, making Albion Pros one of the stingiest sides in the entire country.
Albion Pros are also looking to grab a convincing result at home, having been subjected to several recent draws. The Pros are looking to get back to their winning ways and gain some breathing room at the top of the table. Deportivo Coras will be looking for revenge as Albion Pros won 1-0 in Riverside for the first ever NPSL matchup between the two clubs. Deportivo Coras have some momentum after stringing together a few positive results.
Here are three things to look out for this weekend for the Albion Pros:
1. Deportivo Coras Change of Coach
Coras USA recently changed their head coach, appointing Jimmy Obleda in charge for his first game of the season. Obleda is known as a highly passionate coach, who manages to extract a lot from his teams. This coaching change could make for a very intense and eventful matchup on Saturday. His teams are known to have high energy, battle for every loose ball and for grinding out positive results. Last time the two met, Coras had just released their coach. Now they are back on track and will be looking to continue their winning streak.
2. Albion’s Offensive Efficiency
The Albion Pro’s have created numerous chances in the final third throughout the season, but have yet to regularly finish those opportunities with conviction. Albion have often taken control of the run of play, but have struggled mightily to find the back of the net. They stand second to last in goals scored this season. This game will be a testament to see just how composed Albion can be in front of net. Matt Clare, Tre Hayes and David Luquen will get a handful of chances. Will they convert early and often or will the Coras backline continue to frustrate Albion Pros’ goal scorers?
3. The Back Four Dynamic
With fan favorite Jakub “Kuba” Waligorski stepping in for suspended Captain Luke Staats, Albion must adapt to this change to the back four that has been rock solid all season long. However, Albion Pros defenders have proven that they can adjust on a week-to-week basis. Coach Ziggy Korytoski has been forced to rotate his backline due to injury, suspension or availability for every NPSL game so far this season. Albion Pros’ goalkeeper Jean Antoine will anchor the backline and will relish the challenge against Coras USA. Last time the two teams met, “Super” Jean Antoine was named Man of the Match for an imperious display between the sticks.
Game Info:
Saturday June 4th – Tickets at ProSoccerSanDiego.com
Time: 7pm Kickoff
Location: Mission Bay High School Stadium (2475 Grand Ave)
Post game party at TapRoom San Diego starts 9:30pm
