The Scorpions Clinch Postseason Match at Toyota Field with 1-0 Win
October 25, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
San Antonio Scorpions News Release
The San Antonio Scorpions beat Minnesota United 1-0 at National Sports Center Stadium and secured a postseason match at Toyota Field on November 8. The win also pulls the Scorpions within two points of United in the NASL Fall Season Standings with one match to play.
After a first half that was strong on midfield play but light on chances created, the game opened up early in the second half. The Scorpions were looking dangerous before the breakthrough came in the 61'. Rafael Castillo sent a big switch from right to left that found Walter Restrepo with space on the left side just outside of the Minnesota area. Restrepo looked up and found Cèsar Elizondo - who was playing as the lone striker for the first time this season - in the Loons' box. Elizondo took a touch to open up a shooting lane and slotted low and left past United goalkeeper Matt Van Oekel. The goal was Elizondo's fifth of the season and the assist Restrepo's fourth.
Elizondo had two chances for the brace just minutes later as he repeatedly found space behind the Minnesota defensive line, but was unable to find the final shot either time. The Alamo City boys wouldn't need the insurance goal, though, as the defense held the normally potent United attack in check all night and 'keeper Josh Saunders came up big on the few chances Minnesota was able to create. Perhaps the most dangerous sequence of the evening for the home team was a through ball that found recent U.S. national team callup Miguel Ibarra behind the Scorpions defense early in the first half, but captain Adrian Cann timed a slide tackle perfectly to dispossess Ibarra before he could take a shot.
The Scorpions close out the NASL regular season next weekend at Toyota Field against the New York Cosmos with a chance to win the Fall Season while United plays their finale at the Carolina RailHawks, who will be fighting for the fourth and final slot in The Championship.
The Scorpions' final regular season match at Toyota Field is November 1st against the New York Cosmos. The Championship Semifinal will be played at Toyota Field on November 8th at 7:30pm. Tickets can be purchased at Toyota Field Box Office or through Ticketmaster. Call 210.495.8686 for more information on season tickets or log onto SAScorpions.com.
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North American Soccer League Stories from October 25, 2014
- Wins for Scorpions, Strikers Headline Wild Night of Week 16 Action - NASL
- The Scorpions Clinch Postseason Match at Toyota Field with 1-0 Win - San Antonio Scorpions
- Season-high crowd in attendance as Strikers defeat FC Edmonton 1-0 to keep control of postseason cha - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- RailHawks Win & Remain in the Hunt for Final Spot in Championship - North Carolina FC
- Minnesota United Falls 1-0 to San Antonio in First Home Loss Since 2013 - Minnesota United FC
- Post-Season Hopes Dashed for Eddies After 1-0 Loss - FC Edmonton
- Tampa Bay Rowdies and New York Cosmos Draw 2-2 After Late Frimpong Equalizer - Tampa Bay Rowdies
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