In what to this point was the biggest game of the season, Redlands FC settled for a 2-2 draw against Capo FC in a fast paced, back and forth affair.
Redlands wasted no time getting going, as on their first attack of the game Jose De La Torre scored on a shot that snuck in at the far post to make it 1-0 in the third minute.
Capo FC responded well though, and began to establish possession and build up an attack of their own. Eventually, they were able to find an equalizer in the 30th minute on a shot from just outside the box.
The equalizer seemed to wake up a shorthanded Redlands team down 3 starters, as 5 minutes later Praise Maduekwe in his first start at Dodge Stadium scored off a corner kick to give the home side the lead again. That would be the final major action of the first half, and Redlands went into the locker room with a 2-1 lead.
The second half started and with it Capo returned to form. Just a few moments in, they earned a free kick after a rough challenge and rocketed a shot past the near post that Tony Flores got a hand on but couldn’t stop. Just like that the game was even again.
Ignited by another equalizer, both teams began to exchange attacks and the game's pace picked up. Both keepers were tested and made the necessary stops, including Flores who was busy all night.
The game got a bit chippy after a tackle by Redlands led to a Capo player giving a few extra shoves before multiple yellow cards were given by the referee. All of the commotion was for nothing though, as neither team could find the winning goal.
The 2-2 draw puts a solid dent in both teams playoff chances, as second place Ventura County came away with 3 points in their Thursday night game, giving themselves some separation. Redlands path to the playoffs now almost fully relies on a win Saturday against first place FC Tucson, along with another positive result next week against Ventura County.
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.
