Sequoia FC drops inaugural game to Las Vegas

McDermont’s Sequoia FC lost 6-3 against Las Vegas Knights Saturday in their first game of the Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL) Premier Men’s Season. 

Like their exhibition game the previous night against La Cabana (Tijuana, Mex.), Sequoia had several chances to score but didn’t finish those opportunities.

“We need to work more on finishing,” said Sequoia coach Miguel Baez. “We are creating the opportunities but we are not taking advantage of those chances.”

Vegas scored its first two goals of the night during the first quarter.

After that, Sequoia scored when Arturo Jauregui hit the wall with a cross and a Vegas player ended up scoring on his own goal.

For the second quarter both teams played more aggressive, but it was Vegas again who took advantage of their opportunities and scored the third goal.

After the third goal and after several saves by Sequoia goalie Miguel Beltran, the Lindsay team started pouring on more pressure and Eligio Morales scored for Sequoia with the assist by Jauregui with 1 minute and 20 seconds left in the first half.

At that point it looked like Sequoia had the momentum.

During the third quarter, they had several chances to score, but it was Vegas again that scored on a free kick to make it 4-2.

“We still have a lot to learn about this game. The transition from attacking to defending needs to be quicker in this game and we are not doing it as we should,” Baez said. “By not doing that, we are giving the other team a lot of chances to score.”

The Sequoia coach also said the team needs to learn to be more patient during the game. 

“Soccer is a game of patience; its about waiting for the right opportunity to attack,” Baez said. “We need to use the walls more for our benefit and be ready at all times to keep the other team from scoring when they use the walls, especially in set plays.”

During the first minute of the fourth quarter, Sequoia had a couple of chances to score but Vegas’ goalie saved two attempts by Jose Barragan and Omar Trelles. 

Sequoia kept pressuring and Barragan gained the ball in the midfield and caught the keeper out of hte box. Barragan took the shot from there to score. 

Again Sequoia gained the momentum but a couple of mistakes on the back gave Vegas the chance for two more goals to put the final score at 6-3 in favor of the home team.

“We are fortunate to have two good goalies, Saturday night Miguel Beltran did an excellent job,” Baez said.

“This sport has excitement from the first minute to the last., it is a fast paced, action-packed game,” Rene Hernandez, McDermont Sports Manager, added. “If you’re a soccer player or fan, you will enjoy this league.”

McDermont Field House encourages all soccer players and fans to come out and attend its First Annual Clasico Cup between the two new PASL Men’s arena soccer teams. Sequoia F.C. and V. C. United will take on each other at McDermont, located at 365 N.Sweet Brier Ave. in Lindsay, on Saturday, May 30th at 7:00 p.m.

The following week on June 6, Sequoia visits SD Fusion and SD Crew for a double header while V.C. United hosts Turlock.