Pensacola FC’s Fast Start Secures Three Points in U-19 Pilot
By Pensacola FC
Pensacola FC took full advantage of a blistering start to race ahead 4-0 in the first 30 minutes against Southern Stars in a game that was somewhat in doubt due to Hurricane Delta. The Stars made some great adjustments to head into the break 4-1, but the score held up in a physical second half to give PFC their second win of the U-19 pilot. Michael O’Leary and Anthony Cicarello both bagged a brace as they traded goals in an exciting opening to the match.
It took just five minutes for Pensacola to get on the board after O’Leary got a touch on Logan Tyree’s nicely flighted free kick into the box to place around the Stars keeper. The lead was doubled five minutes later following an excellent counter attack involving O’Leary and Kendrick Hernandez, who fed the ball to Tyree to claim his second assist of the game as he put Anthony Cicarello through to smash the ball home.
Pensacola FC again took advantage of a set piece, after O’Leary struck again in the 15th minute off a corner kick from Cicarello.
The Stars started to find some footing in the game as both sides enjoyed some good possession as the contest opened up. Cicarello doubled his tally after he forced an error in the back to whip a powerful shot into the back of the net for PFC’s fourth goal, capping off his strongest performance of the season.
The Stars made some adjustments and introduced Daminik White into the game who made an immediate impact as his side took advantage of some good play down the right flank that resulted in a save from John Michael Guidroz. The rebound fell to Romar Smith, who tucked it away to send the teams into halftime at 4-1.
The second half started with the Stars pressing hard and knocking PFC out of their rhythm. Chances were hard to come by for both teams as the game tightened up. Cole Allen had the best chance of the half for Pensacola, forcing a dramatic save from Stars keeper William Walerius, who tipped Allen’s 25 yard strike on to the bar and out for a corner kick. PFC introduced Caleb Freckman and Pate Garrett into the game with both players having an impact and forcing the Stars back into their own half.
As the game entered the final few minutes, the intensity from both sides did not drop as Southern Stars kept pushing for a second goal. Both teams collected yellows in what was a physical second half, but you could not argue with the effort and competitiveness in what has been two very interesting games between these two clubs in the U-19 pilot. 4-1 was the final score from a breezy Ashton Brosnaham Stadium in Pensacola.
Photo Credit: 30ThirtyVision Jay Garcia
