Another cup game, and another big win for Doxa. With 18 players showing up, John Gerrard had some difficult decisions on picking a team. Good problem to have! The Santa Ana Wind Reserves put in a spirited performance, and even created a few first half chances. Brandon Avery was solid in the net and dealt with everything that came at him. After having several good chances, Doxa took the lead a few minutes before half time. After winning a free kick at the edge of the SAW area, Steve Chirgwin picked out a wide open Bryan Byrne who was standing at the penalty spot. Byrne took one touch and placed the ball into the back of the net. Eric Meister played a big roll by creating space, taking 2 players away from where Byrne was standing. Before the half was over, Derk Droze had a decent shot from the top of the box, while Ryan Taylor hit the post from a very tight angle.
Gerrard made some changes at half time to freshen up the team, and it didn’t take long for Doxa to get number 2. Ilia Nazarov picked up a ball wide right, and swung it into the box. Byrne swung on the ball, it was deflected and landed at the feet of Droze. Keeping possession, Droze moved away from goal but was chopped down from behind by a very poor tackle. Penalty! Steve Chirgwin took a two step penalty, placing the ball upper V where no keeper could save. SAW did get on the board with a scrappy goal soon after. It was the first goal Doxa had conceded in cup competition this season. SAW also had a great chance to take the lead, only for an impressive Devon Toohey to block a definite goal-ward bound shot! A long ball from the back was met by an onside Byrne. Byrne took the ball to the end line, cut back and placed the ball in front of Mr Yellow Jersey Matt Ogden, who placed it through the Keepers legs. The game was put to be late on by Mario Guerrero. It came from a Sean Lockhart assist, after the veteran winger lined up a rasper of a shot from 25 yards out. Rumor has it he decided to shoot after finding out the ball being used was an official World Cup ball! The keeper parried and Gurrero was on hand to tuck it away.
A good win for Doxa, who can now look forward to the knockout rounds!
Starting Line Up:
1.Brandon Avery
2.Nate Reeves
3.Omar Elminoufi
4.Devon Toohey
5.Nas Koubouras
6.Dave Adams
7.Eric Meister
8.Bryan Byrne
9.Ryan Taylor
10.Steve Chirgwin
11.Derk Droze
12.Chad Evans
13. Ilia Nazarov
14.Sean Lockhart
15.Craig Reynolds
16.Ricky Figueroa
17.Matt Ogden
18.Mario Guerrero
