Scorpions Fall 2-0 in Front of Record Crowd of 8,313 Fans

September 20, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
San Antonio Scorpions News Release


SAN ANTONIO, TX(September 20, 2014) - The San Antonio Scorpions fell 2-0 to Minnesota United in a much-anticipated battle between the league's top two teams in front of a Toyota Field record NASL crowd of 8,313.

The teams were both tentative for the first fifteen and were still in the process of getting into the flow of the game. The sides traded free kicks from dangerous spots, but neither attempt was on frame. Minnesota fullback Kevin Venegas was shown the first card of the game in the 21' for tackling Cesar Elizondo from behind. The action had only barely restarted before the Loons found the opening goal of the match as well.

The Scorpions turned the ball over at midfield after the restart and United immediately went on the break. Midfielder Greg Jordan fed Miguel Ibarra a through ball on the left side of San Antonio's 18-yard-box and Ibarra hit a very tight-angle shot that went past an outstretched Josh Saunders and hit the inside of the far post before caroming into the net.

After the goal, the red-and-black controlled more of the possession and created numerous dangerous situations for the Minnesota defense. First in the 26', fullback Jonathan Borrajo ranged far upfield and hit a beautiful cross into the middle of the box that missed a streaking Elizondo by inches. Two minutes later, Josue Soto - playing as a defensive midfielder - found Billy Forbes in the box, but the forward's quick turnaround shot took a slight deflection on the way towards goal and United 'keeper Matt VanOekel was able to make the save. Finally, the Scorpions had three straight corner kicks starting in the 40', but were unable to capitalize on the opportunities.

The Scorpions came out on the front foot in the second half and were pressing hard for the equalizer. Josue Soto and Rafael Castillo each put VanOekel to work in the opening ten minutes of the second half, but each time the Loons' goalie turned the chances away. Borrajo sent in a cross in the 60' that Minnesota was unable to clear away on their first couple of chances, but the Scorpions were unable to capitalize on the loose ball.

The forward pressure finally caught up to the Scorpions in the 72' when Minnesota midfielder - and former Scorpion - Aaron Pitchkolan sent a long ball over the top of the defense to find Ibarra alone at the edge of the 18-yard-box. Saunders came off his line to force the play, but Ibarra was able to dribble around him before slotting into the open net for the final score of the match.

San Antonio falls to second behind United in the NASL Fall Season standings, but based on current records the Scorpions would still be the second seed in The Championship postseason tournament.

Both teams will be on the road next week as San Antonio will travel to Atlanta to play the Silverbacks and Minnesota crosses the border to play the Ottawa Fury.

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The Scorpions' next home match at Toyota Field is October 4th against Ottawa Fury FC. 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.



North American Soccer League Stories from September 20, 2014


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