PSA Elite 1 – Doxa 2
Doxa went into this weekends 1st v 2nd clash with a 2 point advantage, needing only a draw to ensure they kept top spot going into the last round of games – but instead the team regained the CSL title they lost last season with a 2-1 win.
It was Doxa who got on the board first. Steve Chirgwin picked up the ball just inside the PSA half and played a perfectly weighted pass through the defense to an on-rushing Bryan Byrne. Byrne took a touch before slotting the ball underneath the keeper. The game had a very fluid flow throughout and it was a giveaway just at the halfway line that allowed PSA to quickly break and get an equalizer before half-time. Scores were 1-1 at the break.
Paul Rottenberg, who took the coaching reigns for the day, made the decision to bring on Ilia Nazarov at the break and it payed off as the Russian Rocket delivered less than 5 minutes after entering the field. Steve Chirgwin was again the provider, but this time Nazorav blasted a shot into the bottom corner from just outside the area. It provided a definite momentum swing in the second half and Doxa had several good opportunities to extend the lead, with a Ricky Figueroa shot off the inside of the post proving to be the closest. PSA did create several half chances to equalize and the never stop battling, but Doxa found a way to dig deep and kept possession in the final 10 minutes to see out time.
The win leaves Doxa 5 points clear with only one game left to play – meaning the team regains the CSL title they lost to PSA last season.
PSA Elite definitely came to play on Sunday and put plenty of pressure on Doxa throughout the match, playing some very quick soccer. The teams could meet in the Region IV final next weekend, if both teams finish top of their respective groups.
Goals:
#1 – Bryan Byrne (Steve Chirgwin)
#2 – Ilia Nazarov (Steve Chirgwin)
1. Aaron Perez
2. Marcus Watson
3. Joe Cartlidge
4. Spencer Shortland
5. Nas Koubourus
6. Alex Bengard
7. Sam Allen
8. Andrew Villalobos
9. Bryan Byrne
10. Steve Chirgwin
11. Eric Meister
12. Brandon Avery
13. Ilia Nazarov
14. Noah Rothstein
15. Craig Reynolds
16. Richie Million
17. Ricky Figueroa
