Another Saturday night at Dodge Stadium meant another opportunity for Redlands FC to pick up a key three points in the standings. A key matchup in Arizona between the division leading Fusion and fourth place FC Tucson also meant an opportunity by the end of the night to be in first place in the Southwest Division.
Like on Wednesday against the Southern California Eagles, it did not take long for the offense to get going. In the 7th minute, Jose de la Torre won a duel against an Eagle centerback, and sprinted free. It could have been a 1 on 1 with him and the keeper all the way, but he unselfishly dished a pass to striker Andrija Radonjic, who finished the play to give Redlands a 1-0 lead.
The Eagles did respond well to conceding however, and for much of the next half hour controlled possession and had the better opportunities. Redlands goalkeeper Tony Flores was also forced to make a couple of tough saves. But right before stoppage time, Redlands offense woke up in a big way. Jose de la Torre connected with Radonjic again for goal number two, before the pair reversed roles for a third goal.
In less than a minute, Redlands had tripled their lead. They were headed to the locker room with all sorts of momentum. Meanwhile, in Arizona, the first place Fusion faced a 2-1 deficit.
The second half in California was much calmer. Redlands slowed the game down and shut off any lanes for the Eagles to score. Then, things flipped. Redlands scored twice yet again in less than ten minutes, thanks to finishes from substitutes Wyatt Ponting and Marcus Lee.
The Eagles got their first and only tally shortly after, but it did not matter in the grand scheme of things. Redlands had done enough to remain perfect at home.
In Arizona, the Fusion found a game-tying goal, but no winner. The two points they dropped allow Redlands to now lead the Southwest Division in total points. By points per match (PPM), the Fusion maintain first place, but only by .02 PPM. The two teams meet in a few weeks for the final game of the season.
Now though, Redlands must look ahead to next Saturday when they take on the team directly behind them in the standings, Stars FC.
Depending on Stars' result earlier in the week against City SC, the game could be a direct battle for second place with just a third of the season remaining.
Catch the match at Dodge Stadium on June 27th at 7 PM. For tickets and more information visit redlandsfootballclub.com
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.
