SUFC Team News #8 – Lake Forest, CA
By Dan Minkoff
Shoreline United FC’s debut in the UPSL Premier didn’t go as it had hoped, losing a tough 4-1 decision to home side AMSG FC in the SoCal North division. The match at the Lake Forest Sports Complex showed the difficulty of integrating several new players while facing another newly promoted side.
“It didn’t go as planned,” said assistant coach Jaime Corpus. “We were down 1-0 at the half but tried to keep it a little bit of same in the second half. We were still down one and were down to the last 15 minutes when we needed to start pressing for the tying goal. So, we changed it up and it was a high-risk, high-reward change, and yeah, we got punished. But I’m really proud of how the team played.”
First Half Struggles
The game began with both teams playing cautiously. Shoreline United midfield trio of Alpha Sowe, Martin Velasquez and Michael Crisera helped the team control possession while AMSG pressed opportunistically but not aggressively. AMSG had a couple of shots off target in the first 30 minutes, including a through-ball that resulted in a chip over Shoreline United goalkeeper Brandon Soto that sailed just over the crossbar.
AMSG broke the deadlock in the 35th minute with a beautiful 30-yard strike. Despite several attempts to equalize, Shoreline United struggled to find the back of the net, ending the first half trailing.
Tactical Shift and Formation Change
Soto kept Shoreline United in the game in the second half with a couple of quality saves while the team kept searching for the equalizer.
In a bid to turn the tide, Shoreline made a strategic decision with about 15 minutes remaining. Aaron Minkoff, a versatile player known for his aerial prowess, moved from center back to forward to support striker Jhoel Sarraude. The team also shifted to a more aggressive 3-5-2 formation, with Cameron Badal and Jesus “Nene” Moreno providing width, and the team pressing higher up the pitch to create more scoring opportunities.
Late Drama and a Glimmer of Hope
The tactical shift initially seemed promising with Shoreline playing more in the attacking third and winning several corner kicks. However, AMSG managed to extend its lead with a goal in the 84th minute and another in the 87th. Just at the end of regular time, Shoreline United finally found a breakthrough. Center back Zane Bumgardt took a free kick from midfield, delivering a perfectly weighted ball into the box. Minkoff outjumped the defense and flicked the ball to Sarraude, who volleyed into the left corner, making the score 3-1 and giving Shoreline United a glimmer of hope.
Sarraude said the team connected better in the second half.
“I mean, we’re all new to each other for most part, so I think it’s just getting chemistry and being able to develop relationships with each other and getting on the same page,” Sarraude said. “It’s just that final pass, the final touch and score, but it will come.”
Final Blow in Added Time
Despite the late goal, AMSG FC sealed their victory with a final goal in added time, bringing the score to 4-1. The match ended with Shoreline United reflecting on a tough but educational experience in its first UPSL Premier game.
“The pieces are there,” Corpus said. “We’ve just got to find that connection. That’s what can happen when players play together for the first time. A lot of these new players here today, yeah, first game, but the pieces are there for a good foundation.”
Looking Ahead
While the result was disappointing, Shoreline United showed moments of promise and resilience. As the team represents Long Beach and continues its journey in the UPSL Premier, the players will learn and grow from this experience, aiming to bounce back stronger in their upcoming matches.
Shoreline United opens its home schedule against LAFC Academy at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 15 at the Long Beach City College soccer fields. There’s still time to get your ShorePass to save on attending home games this fall season.
Vamos Shoreline! #ForTheLBC
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