The stage was set at MLK Park, Richmond, as Real San Jose faced off against Richmond Sol FC in an action-packed clash. Both teams came into the match with much to prove, and expectations were high from fans and pundits alike. RSJ and Sol had tied in the previous two games played in Richmond, each team eager to break that deadlock.
As the match kicked off, both teams found their footing and had chances in the opening 20 minutes. The best of these opportunities came from Richmond Sol FC, as they forced Real San Jose to clear the ball off the goal line, while a standout moment saw defender Juan Tribin use his chest to block a hard-hit shot from close range.
However, it was Real San Jose that first found the back of the net in the 24th minute. Hyago Galdino switched play from the right to Hector Herrera on the left, who expertly cut in and tucked the ball just inside the far post to take the lead.
Two minutes later, Francisco Avila extended the lead for Real San Jose. Juan Velazquez split the Richmond defense with a perfectly placed rolling pass, leaving Avila to capitalize and make it 2-0. Juan Velazquez showed his quality again in the 33rd minute by delivering a corner into the path of Yasid Alvarez, who headed the ball into the Richmond net, taking the scoreline to 3-0 at halftime.
The second half was a showcase of Lluis Dolade's goal-scoring prowess, as he notched up four impressive goals in the 50th, 65th, 70th, and 72nd minutes - a fantastic display of skill and precision. Meanwhile, Hector Herrera also added two goals in the 87th and 91st minutes to complete a hat trick. It was a total team effort for Real San Jose, with players performing solidly across the board. Particularly noteworthy were Juan Velazquez and Juan Tribin, who had exceptional outings. Angel Silva Moreno, a super-sub for Real San Jose, provided an assist for Dolade's fourth goal.
The final scoreline of 9-0 in favor of Real San Jose highlighted their dominance throughout the match.
Real San Jose's roster for this game featured Fuentes (Cardoza); Munoz, Pham (Canepa), Rexing, Tribin; Herrera, Velazquez (Tabora), Y. Alvarez, Galdino (Moreno); Avila (D. Alvarez), Dolade.
Real San Jose's strong start to the NSL Pacific Conference season, with two wins and one tie, sets them up nicely for their next home game at the PAL Stadium on May 6, 2023, against the 2022 NSL Pacific Cup winners, Marin County Union FC. Meanwhile, the RSJ U18 team is scheduled to face an opponent yet to be announced at 5:15 PM.
As the dust settles on a thrilling match, both teams return to the drawing board to strategize and regroup, with lessons learned and sights set on their upcoming challenges. Fans and analysts will be eager to see how this match influences both teams' future performances and tactics.
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