If one wanted some Friday night drama, Dodge Stadium was the place to be. In a game featuring multiple red cards and an unreal comeback, the top two teams in the Southwest Division showed why they are just that, as they played to a 2-2 draw.
It was the visitors who took control early, as the Fusion dominated possession and jumped out to a 1-0 lead on a tap in goal from Cason Goodman in the 5th minute.
After about 10 minutes of more Fusion dominated soccer, Redlands started to get their own attack going but couldn’t test the keeper. After some back and forth, the Fusion doubled their lead on a goal from Papa Moussa Sow.
Things only got worse for Redlands before halftime, as Andrew Portis picked up his second yellow card in the game and was sent off. Redlands was down two goals and now down one man.
The start of the second half didn’t initially offer much hope for Redlands, until one moment changed the storyline. Fusion keeper Filip Sabati came out to play a routine ball, but illegally touched it with his hands outside of the box. After some deliberation by the officials, they gave Sabati a red card. Both teams were now down to 10 men, and the door had opened for Redlands.
As any good team does, Redlands eventually took advantage. Two goals in the span of two minutes from Enzo Mauriz and Troy Elgersma (originally credited to Joseph Spencer) evened the game in the 82nd minute.
Luka Lukic nearly brought the house down with a rocket from 30 yards out that banged off the crossbar in stoppage time, keeping the game at 2-2 and that is how it would end. Fusion head coach Keith Costigan also received his second yellow card and a post-game send off for arguing with the official.
The draw allows the Fusion to maintain their first place spot in the Southwest Division standings, while Redlands now go into a chaotic 4 way tie for second place and the final playoff spot. Redlands will be back in action July 5th as they host the SoCal Eagles at 7 PM.
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.
