Alianza FC dominated Cedars FC for a 5-1 victory in the semi-final play-off match at Fordson High School on Saturday night. Alianza FC moves on to the championship game of the Midwest East division of the United Premier Soccer League to play the winner of the other semi-final playoff game FK Olimpic Macomb vs Detroit United.
Alianza was down 0-1 to Cedars just 25 minutes into the match due to a misplay between the Alianza defender and goalkeeper. From there, Alianza FC turned up the pressure.
Blessing Tahouna struck back with the first goal on a neat through ball from the middle. Two minutes later, Oscar Saavedra scored a masterful goal from 40 yards away when he caught the goalkeeper off his line. Before the halftime whistle, Nicholas Martinez hammered home the third goal from the eighteen yard line after collecting a pass from Juan Pedro Elst.
In the second half, the Alianza defenders were able to neatly handle pressure from the Cedars front line. Alex Ofeima and Elder Villatoro continued to stop the forwards with tight defending and smart passing from the back.
In the 75th minute, Saavedra worked a pretty give-and-go to Orly who made a nice move around the defender before slotting it in the goal. Blessing capped off the goal scoring just before full time for his second of the night on another neat pass and finish.
Coach Roberto Lucas was very proud of the players after the game. “We know that when we come ready to play with all of our guys fit and prepared, we can compete with any team. I’m just really happy for the guys because they put in a lot of effort to make it this far. Thanks to the fans for their amazing support.”
In only its second year, Alianza FC is vying for their first ever division championship. The winner of the championship game will go on to represent the Midwest East division in the nationwide United Premier Soccer League.
Stay up to date with Alianza FC: www.alianzafc.com, @laalianzafc
