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Doxa Head to Seattle for US Open Cup 1st Round Game

May 13th, 2013
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Regionals Squad Pic

Tomorrow is the day. Another date with destiny.

After two weeks of solid preparation, Doxa head to Seattle to play the Sounders U23 team in round #1 of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. It has been a year of highs for this Doxa team, who went into Regional qualifiers on a 12 month unbeaten streak. An unbeaten CSL season coupled with a run to the final of the CSL cup had an air of confidence in the squad. Thanks to a solid 2-1 win over Cal FC and a dominating 7-0 win over San Fransisco FC, Doxa secured a spot in the prestigious tournament.

Of the starting squad that played in Doxa’s only previous US Open cup game (in 2011 vs Ventura County Fusion),  9 players are still involved in the current 22 man squad. Bryan Byrne was the goal scorer on that day, and he currently leads the team in goals for the 2013 season with 28 in 17 games and got both goals in the vital win vs Cal FC.

“What separates us from other amateur teams is our ability to play as a unit. We don’t have a stand out player, it is simply a combination that sticks together and works for each other.” said Byrne. “We have been given the unique opportunity to again play in the US Open Cup and you really don’t if you will ever get that again – it is win or go home time!” Byrne is the one player currently on the squad with US Open Cup experience, having been part of the New England Revolution that won the tournament in 2007.

Sounders FC U-23 (PDL) vs Doxa Italia (USASA) 7pm at Sunset Chevrolet Stadium. Those interested in updates, we will have them on our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter.

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Doxa Take Epic Semi-Final, 3-2

Apr 7th, 2013
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Doxa Celebrate

It turned out to be a game to remember on Saturday night, as Doxa battled to a 3-2 win over So-Cal Real in CSL Cup action.

The game actually went to extra-time before a winner was found, both teams had decent opportunities before the eventual game winner was scored by Bryan Byrne in the 6 minutes before the game was set to go to penalties.

Things started pretty poorly for Doxa and they went 1-0 down early on when a through ball beat the offside trap. It wasn’t until the final 5 minutes of the first half that the equalizer was found, even though Doxa had several excellent opportunities before that. Ryan Taylor was dragged down in the box as he tried to meet an incoming cross and Steve Chirgwin stepped up to take the penalty. His resultant spot kick was saved, but he managed to drill in the rebound.

It was much the same in the second half with both teams carving out opportunities. Again So-Cal Real took the lead and it was former Doxa player Andrew Villalobos who got it with a fine strike from 30 yards out. Doxa continued to battle and eventually got the equalizer. Devin Skrade made a tantalizing run down the right before putting an excellent cross into the box. Somehow it evaded everyone but found Mike Piechota on the back post. He knocked it back into the box where it met the head of Bryan Byrne before striking the post and going in.

Extra-time was needed to find a winner and eventually it was Byrne who stuck it away. Justin Valashinas was the provided, after he cut in from the left before sliding a through ball to Byrne, who turned and stroked the ball past the keeper. There was still time for So-Cal Real to graft out an equalizer, but the Doxa backline help firm and kept things at bay.

The CSL cup final line-up is set, with Doxa set to take on PSA Elite in the final. Date TBD.

Goals:
#1 – Steve Chirgwin (Ryan Taylor)
#2 – Bryan Byrne (Devin Skrade, Mike Piechota)
#3 – Bryan Byrne (Justin Valashinas)

1. Justin Commins
2. Nas Koubourus
3. Devin Skrade
4. Steve Chirgwin
5. Eddie Pinto
6. Greg Piechota
7. Nissa Hatifie
8. Devin Toohey
9. Bryan Byrne
10. Ryan Taylor
11. Kyle Holland

12. Ilia Nazarov
13. Pinder Nijjar
14. Miguel Alvarez
15. Mike Piechota
16. Richie Million
17. Diego Turoldo
18. Justin Valashinas

Posted in: Match Report.
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6-1 Win Seals Unbeaten Season

Mar 10th, 2013
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Doxa vs OC Crew

Doxa wrapped up an extremely impressive CSL season by winning 6-1 away to OC Crew on Sunday.

With the win, Doxa finish the league season with a 16-0-0 season!

On the day, Doxa had the opportunity to play with the line-up and get some guys extra playing time. In the first 10 minutes, the team didn’t gel as expected and Doxa went down a goal. It is not the first time it has happened this season and sadly the OC Crew celebrations were a little early. Before half time, Doxa were in the lead. The first goal came compliments of a Devin Skrade long-throw. Bryan Byrne flicked the ball to Greg Piechota on the back post and he volleyed home. The second was a piece of art to watch. Several players played a series of neat passes in a tight area before Steve Chirgwin dished the ball to an open Ilia Nazarov. The Russian did what he does best, sliding the ball under the keeper.

Doxa increased the pressure in the second half and added several impressive goals. Next on the scoresheet was Bryan Byrne, as he scored a diving header off a Devin Skrade cross. Five minutes later and Byrne had his second headed goal of the game, this one from a Sean Lockhart cross. Soon after Nazarov had his second of the game and it was a real beauty. Ryan Taylor played a ball over the top and Nazarov took on took before dinking the ball over the keeper from 35 yards out and into an empty net. The final goal of the game came via Ricky Figueroa. Pinder Nijjar did the hard work and beat 2 players before sliding the ball to Figueroa who slid the ball under the keeper.

Overall, a pretty ideal way to finish up an extremely successful season!

Goals:
#1 – Mike Piechota (Bryan Byrne, Devin Skrade)
#2 – Ilia Nazarov (Steve Chirgwin)
#3 – Bryan Byrne (Devin Skrade)
#4 – Bryan Byrne (Sean Lockhart)
#5 – Ilia Nazarov (Ryan Taylor)
#6 – Ricky Figueroa (Pinder Nijjar)

1. Brandon Avery
2. Richie Million
3. Devin Skrade
4. Steve Chirgwin
5. Ricky Figueroa
6. Greg Piechota
7. Ilia Nazarov
8. Matt Upton
9. Bryan Byrne
10. Ryan Taylor
11. Eric Meister

12. Sean Lockhart
13. Pinder Nijjar
14. Miguel Alvarez
15. Mike Piechota

Posted in: Match Report.
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Doxa Win CSL Cup Quarters 5-1

Feb 26th, 2013
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Piechota

Doxa marched on in CSL cup action with a 5-1 win at home to Mirauders FC on Saturday.

It turned out to be a pretty routine win for Doxa in the end, but they did have a scare when Mirauders scored early on. It was a pretty spectacular goal that really shook the team into gear. A neat one-two between Eric Meister and Bryan Byrne lead to the equalizing goal. That was followed up by a rasping Steve Chirgwin free kick another Byrne goal to leave the home team 3-1 at half.

In the second half, Doxa rang the changes at it didn’t slow the team down. Chirgy got his second of the game from the penalty spot and then the Russian Rocket, Ilia Nazorov, sealed things up with a neat turn and finish near the end of the game.

Doxa are set to play Real So-Cal in the semi final, which is slated to take place at Manhattan Beach on March 10th.

Goals:
#1 – Bryan Byrne (Eric Meister)
#2 – Steve Chirgwin
#3 – Bryan Byrne (Steve Chirgwin)
#4 – Steve Chirgwin (Sean Lockhart)
#5 – Ilia Nazarov

1. Justin Commins
2. Nas Koubourus
3. Joe Cartlidge
4. Steve Chirgwin
5. Ricky Figueroa
6. Mike Piechota
7. Ryan Purtell
8. Sean Lockhart
9. Bryan Byrne
10. Ryan Taylor
11. Eric Meister

12. Kyle Holland
13. Nissa Hatiffie
14. Miguel Alvarez
15. Richie Million
16. Greg Piechota
17. Diego Turroldo
18. Ilia Nazarov
19. Justin Valashinas
20. Pinder Nijjar
21. Aaron Perez

Posted in: Match Report.
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Doxa Cruise to 9-2 Win vs Genesis

Feb 21st, 2013
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Doxa vs Genesis

Doxa continued their 100% record in CSL action with a comprehensive 9-2 win on Sunday, on a sun-drenched day in Santa Margarita.

There was too much action to cover in this game, but the key points were as follows:

  • Ricky kicked things off with a great volley early in the game.
  • Chirgy chipped the keeper from 40 yards for his goal, a sort of “Locky-esque” goal!
  • Ryan Taylor setup two goals with his first two touches.
  • Matt Upton nearly scored his first goal of the season, in only his second sub appearance.
  • He followed it up with an assist.
  • Richie Million played 90 minutes!!
  • Ryan Purtell screamed like a schoolgirl as he “celebrated” scoring the 8th goal of the game.
  • That goal means he has 3 more than Skrade and Upton combined (Santa Clara Alum)
  • Miguel Alvaraz managed to get himself a point, setting up Locky’s goal.

Goals:
#1 – Ricky Figueroa (Steve Chirgwin)
#2 – Bryan Byrne (Steve Chirgwin)
#3 – Steve Chirgwin (Ricky Figueroa)
#4 – Bryan Byrne (Ryan Taylor, Greg Piechota)
#5 – Bryan Byrne (Ryan Taylor)
#6 – Mike Piechota (Steve Chirgwin)
#7 – Mike Piechota (Greg Piechota)
#8 – Ryan Purtell (Matt Upton)
#9 – Sean Lockhart (Miguel Alvarez, Ryan Taylor)

1. Brandon Avery
2. Richie Million
3. Joe Cartlidge
4. Steve Chirgwin
5. Ricky Figueroa
6. Mike Piechota
7. Ryan Purtell
8. Devin Toohey
9. Bryan Byrne
10. Greg Piechota
11. Devin Skrade

12. Ryan Taylor
13. Sean Lockhart
14. Miguel Alvarez
15. Matt Upton

Posted in: Match Report.
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Doxa Crowned CSL Champions, 7-0 Win

Feb 11th, 2013
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Doxa Celebrate

Doxa wrapped up the 2012/13 CSL title in style on Saturday night, taking a 7-0 win versus Artesia DES at Manhattan Village.

In all fairness, the game was closer than the scoreline stated and Artesia definitely came to play. It took Doxa 20 minutes before they carved out their first real opportunity, and Ilia Nazarov took full advantage. A through ball from Bryan Byrne gave Nazarov a 1-on-1 with the keeper, and he scooped it over him into the empty net. The second came from a long ball as center-back, Nas Koubouras, cleared a ball. It found its way over the Artesia defense where Byrne chased it down before knocking it around the keeper and into the net. The score was 2-0 at half time.

Doxa made some half time changes and came out firing in the second half, knowing there was only 45 minutes left before sealing a consecutive league title. Nazarov got his 2nd of the game off a Byrne assist and the same duo teamed up for Byrne’s second of the game to increase the lead to 4-0. Then Byrne was taking down in the penalty box, and Gabe Valencia stepped up to score his first league goal of the season. Byrne wrapped up his hattrick, before Devin Toohey scored a well deserved goal just before the end of the game.

With the win, Doxa are now 8 points clear with only 2 games left to play.

Goals:
#1 – Ilia Nazarov (Bryan Byrne)
#2 – Bryan Byrne (Nas Koubouras)
#3 – Ilia Nazarov (Bryan Byrne)
#4 – Bryan Byrne (Ilia Nazarov)
#5 – Gabe Valencia (Bryan Byrne)
#6 – Bryan Byrne (Ricky Figueroa)
#7 – Devin Toohey (Gabe Valencia, Ricky Figueroa)

1. Justin Commins
2. Nissa Hatiffe
3. Nas Koubourus
4. Kyle Holland
5. Ricky Figueroa
6. Mike Piechota
7. Ryan Purtell
8. Devin Toohey
9. Bryan Byrne
10. Eric Meister
11. Ilia Nazarov

12. Brandon Avery
13. Richie Million
14. Miguel Alvarez
15. Diego Turroldo
16. Gabe Valencia
17. Eddie Pinto
18. Pinder Nijjar

Images by: Christopher Whittle

Posted in: Match Report.
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Chirgwin PK Seals Important 1-0 Win vs PSA

Jan 29th, 2013
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Chirgy

Doxa took a vital step closer to a consecutive CSL title with a very well earned 1-0 win vs PSA on Sunday. With the win, Doxa move 11 points clear of second placed PSA Elite, with only 9 points left up for grabs.

It could have been an extremely different result on the day though, had PSA not missed a PK in the first half. Aaron Perez guessed the right way, but he wasn’t needed as the ball drifted wide of the post. With the wind bearing down on his goal, it was a case of getting through the first half for Doxa. In saying that, PSA didn’t have anymore clear chances before half. Doxa actually had a few opportunities themselves, only for some fine saves off Greg Piechota and Bryan Byrne efforts.

The second half produced a very polished performance from Doxa and it was Greg Piechota who proved the difference maker, beating a defender 1vs1 before being dragged down in the box. Steve Chirgwin stepped up and one stepped before guiding the ball into the top corner. Doxa defended resolutely for the rest of the half, with everyone on the pitch playing a key role at some stage. Things were summed up when Joe Cartlidge won several huge sliding tackles in quick succession, ensuring a clean sheet was maintained.

Doxa play at home on February 9th vs Artesia. A win in that game will seal the title for Doxa – all fans are encouraged to add the date to their calendar and come out to show support.

Goals:
#1 –  Steve Chirgwin (Greg Piechota)

1. Aaron Perez
2. Ryan Purtell
3. Nas Koubourus
4. Devin Skrade
5. Mike Piechota
6. Greg Piechota
7. Joe Cartlidge
8. Ricky Figueroa
9. Bryan Byrne
10. Steve Chirgwin
11. Ryan Taylor

12. Nissa Hatifie
13. Justin Valashinas
14. Richie Million

Posted in: Match Report.
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2013 Starts With Comprehensive 6-1 Away Win

Jan 8th, 2013
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With news filtering through that the 2nd and 3rd placed teams had tied on Friday night, Doxa took full advantage in emphatic style away to So Cal Real.

In what has proved to be a tricky fixture on previous occasions, Doxa started brightly and took the lead after only 5 minutes. Steve Chirgwin was the provider as he drifted a fantastic ball over the back line and on the chest of Bryan Byrne. Byrne controlled and drilled home into the bottom corner, Van Persie style. It took a while longer for the second goal to come, but when it did it was another beauty. This time it was the Piechota brothers who combined. Mike took the ball from right wing, across the field and sweetly knocked a ball over the top for Greg to strike home on the full volley.

With the 2-0 lead, Doxa reentered the second half with more energy and it didn’t take long to get the third. Steve Chirwin was again provider as he played a through ball into the path of Ricky Figueroa, who slotted home for his second goal of the season. The 4th came after some fantastic passing right around the edge of the area and a pass from Chirwin to Byrne to Taylor was blissful to watch, and left Ryan Taylor with the opportunity to delicately chip over the keeper into the corner. The 5th again at the midfield maestro, Steve Chirgwin, involved. After some fine work down the right, his cross from the byline found Byrne open on the back post to volley home. And the final came after some excellent footwork from a rejuvenated source. Ilia Nazarov (just back from vacation) beat several players on the ground before playing in Greg Piechota. With the keeper coming out, Piechota slammed the ball in for his second goal of the game.

With the win, Doxa now lie 11 points clear at the top with 4 games to play, although PSA Elite have 2 games in hand and a crunch home tie with Doxa setup this coming weekend.

Goals:
#1 – Bryan Byrne (Steve Chirgwin)
#2 – Greg Piechota (Mike Piechota)
#3 – Ricky Figueroa (Steve Chirgwin)
#4 – Ryan Taylor (Bryan Byrne, Steve Chirgwin)
#5 – Bryan Byrne (Steve Chirgwin)
#6 – Greg Piechota (Ilia Nazarov)

1. Brandon Avery
2. Nissa Hatiffe
3. Nas Koubourus
4. Kyle Holland
5. Ricky Figueroa
6. Mike Piechota
7. Joe Cartlidge
8. Devin Skrade
9. Bryan Byrne
10. Steve Chirgwin
11. Greg Piechota

12. Ryan Taylor
13. Richie Million
14. Miguel Alvarez
15. Sean Lockhart
16. Ilia Nazarov

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