For the second time in six days Redlands FC took down Stars FC in a one goal game. This time though Redlands got it done on the road, and in the crucial front-end of a back-to-back on their Arizona road trip
Both teams looked to be getting into rhythm in the first 10 minutes, with not too much action occurring, But in the 16th minute, Redlands got a foot to an attempted pass that led to a turnover and an attacking opportunity. A shot was sent on net and deflected away for a corner kick. Diego Chavez then sent in a corner that found the head of Redlands native and Redlands High School graduate Troy Elgersma, who earned his first goal of the season and Redlands first goal of the game.
Similar to the match less than a week ago though, Stars FC did not back down after facing a deficit, as moments later Jamaine Turner sent a shot that deflected off of a Redlands defender and past keeper Tony Flores to even things at 1-1 20 minutes in. No further scoring occurred in the first half, and the teams went into the locker room with the score even.
Fifteen minutes into the second half, Redlands once again built up an attack before being tripped just a foot or two outside of the box. They protested for a penalty, but did not get one. It did not matter though, as the free kick in a dangerous area was headed from the back post to in front of the net where Javier Hernandez buried it. The goal is already Hernandez’s third of the season.
The next 25 minutes were pretty quiet before Stars FC made their final push. In stoppage time, they earned a free kick a few feet outside of the box, but were unable to get a shot off. Redlands were able to clear the ball down the field, before another Stars shot sailed over the crossbar. The final whistle then blew, signaling a win for the visitors.
Redlands now improves to 2-0-0 on the season, with both wins coming against Stars FC.
They will now head to Tucson to complete the back end of this weekend’s back-to-back, as they take on the defending Western Conference Champions, FC Tucson. The game will be available to watch via livestream on Sports Engine beginning at 7:00 PM. A watch party is also being hosted at The Three Stags here in Redlands.
Caden Henderson has been a journalist since he was five. He has interviewed athletes like Mike Trout. Caden is pursuing a degree at the University of Redlands. He is also the voice of Redlands FC.
