VC United takes rematch against nemesis Sequoia

It was technically an exhibition game since the slated opponent, Las Vegas, failed to show up at McDermont Field House.

But first-time VC United coach Memo Salazar dubbed Saturday night’s grudge match against  Sequoia FC as the sequel to May 30th’s 7-3 loss to their hometown rivals.

“It was Superclasico No. 2: The Revenge,” said Salazar, a former Monache girls’ soccer coach.

Behind two quick goals in the opening quarter by captain Andy Ayers, United   held on to win, 4-3, for its first victory of the season.

Abraham Campos and Nick Cardenas each assisted Ayers on separate goals about one minute apart from the same spot — well outside the keeper’s circle left of center.

“That’s my favorite spot,” Ayers said. “I love making the goalie think I’m gonna just play it across or something. I’d rather catch him off guard and shoot it.”

Fielding just nine players, the short-handed United squad scored two more goals early in the second period and immediately packed it in on the defensive end.

“When you’re ahead, you kinda want to use the time to your advantage and make them use up their energy while conserving ours,” Ayers said.

Ismael Perez scored United’s third goal off a quick throw-in from Ivan Yanez.

Thirty seconds later, Yanez punished Sequoia for lagging back on defense in transition and scored off a cross-field pass from Cardenas.

Sequoia came out with guns firing in the third and fourth quarters, but couldn’t capitalize on several close-range shots at VC keeper Diego Mendoza.

“Toward the end, they kept pounding on us,” said United’s co-captain Junior Calderon. “We relied on the great keeper we’ve got. He had a really good game.”

Both clubs went scoreless in the third, but Sequoia’s numbers began taking their toll on United as Hugo Lopez eventually scored off a corner kick from Johnathan Mendoza with five minutes remaining in the fourth.

FC’s Noel Mendoza scored on the play of the night — a header from an off-the-wall pass from teammate Jose Barragan with a minute and a half left.

“It was kind of a letdown at the end to give them a couple of goals, but we were tired,” Ayers said.

Sequoia called a timeout before attempting  a pair of desperation shots, but United held on to improve to 1-3 in their expansion season.

“It feels awesome,” Calderon said. “We knew we had the talent but we struggled to get it going the first couple of games.”

United next travels to San Diego for a pair of matches against the Fusion and the Crew, while Sequoia gets its shot at the Fusion the following week.