Real San Jose opened their 2017 United Premier Soccer League season with a 2-2 draw at Dayton High School in Dayton Nevada on March 18.

Rene Segovia gave RSJ the lead in the 23rd minute when his long-range shot from 45 yards flew high in the air over the stranded keeper and dropped just under the bar. The score stood at halftime.

Borja Moya

Nevada came out strong to start the second half and scored twice. In the 50th minute, WNFC tied the score as Luico Espitia was in place to knock in from a goal line scramble. Then the home side took the lead just five minutes later when Alex Martinez headed in a corner kick.

RSJ answered back with a goal off a corner kick of their own in the 58th minute. Angel Heredia served up a perfect ball to Borja Moya to head in with power. That was the third goal in eight minutes and there were no more as the match ended 2-2 despite plenty of chances from both teams.

RSJ opens the 2017 Home schedule this Saturday, March 25 vs Magic Valley FC from Twin Falls Idaho. Kickoff is at 7:00 pm at PAL Stadium.

RSJ coach Markus Kothner: “A rough start, that did not reflect our potential. We had some last minute changes due to injuries. Which we felt at the beginning. The team caught itself after the first goal, and got better by the minute. The long break due to the injury of Western Nevada’s goalie, wasn’t helping us. We controlled the game but weren’t really decisive. To start the second half, we faced the same issues we face the first 10 min of the game, and WNFC punished us for our mistakes. At the end of the day, I believe this was a good start, and I feel very positive for the next games.”

Rene Segovia: “It was an unbelievable experience to score on my first game and from that distance. It was just what we needed in the game to settle, as they were pressing intensively. In their intent to counterattack, their keeper threw an air ball and after it bounced one time in front of me I just took a shot expecting the best out of it and as I saw how that ball was going down I knew it was going in,” said Segovia.”

Borja Moya: “It was a bad moment in the game for us, they just came back the score and we were losing. As Angel delivered a great ball from the corner kick, I managed to get away from my defender, placing myself between the penalty spot and the small box line. Alone as I was, I headed the ball towards goal. The goalkeeper got a touch on it; but fortunately, he wasn’t able to stop the ball from going in. I am very glad to score my first goal in the UPSL and I am very happy for this, I hope it’s just the first of more, and to help the team to achieve our goals.”