Temecula FC’s Playoff Push Alive with 1-1 Draw against FC Arizona

By Temecula FC

The Quails’ chances of sneaking into the playoffs for the first time in club history were given a boost by a 1-1 draw against undefeated FC Arizona on Saturday.  The Quails sent a message to the football community of just how good this year’s squad is. There is no doubt this is the best football ever played by the Quails.

Nathan DaRosa was the first-half hero with a great goal, assisted by Sergio Lopez, after a stunning move to give the Quails the lead. Temecula’s Byron Rivera saw his early chance beat the goalkeeper, but it rebounded off the post. At that point a 2-0 lead would have seen the game off, but it was not to be as FC Arizona showed they did not travel six hours to roll over and did hit back after converting a penalty kick just 10 minutes later.

FC Arizona defenders had their hands full with DaRosa and Bryan Orta, who were both finding space between the lines and combining to get in behind the Arizona defense. To Arizona’s credit they handled the Temecula FC attacks time and time again. Brent Reis in the Temecula goal had little to do for most of the second half, but the traveling team’s best chance saw Caesar Mexia put a shot on goal.  Reis came off his line early and Mexia’s shot went just wide of the left post.

Temecula remain fifth, just four points out of the playoff spot with just over half the season to go.

Austin Levins, who previously coached at Shamrock Rovers in Ireland, replaced Will Donachie as Temecula FC’s head coach one year ago.  In his second season, he made some changes to the Quails roster and training and now sees his side fighting for a playoff spot and playing the best football the City of Temecula has ever seen.

“I am so proud of what we achieve week to week,” Levins concluded. “And this is down to the players.”

Photo Credit: Doug Yoder/By Design Images