Pensacola FC Defeats New Orleans Jesters 1-0 in U-19 Pilot
By Pensacola FC
A first-half header from Logan Harrelson was enough to secure three points for Pensacola FC as they edged past the New Orleans Jesters in a tightly contested U-19 matchup at Ashton Brosnaham Stadium.
A bright start from Pensacola FC saw Logan Tyree hit the post off a sweeping move that saw some nice exchanges in the final third, including a beautiful cross from Carson Hickok that was begging to be put in the net. Kendrick Hernandez had the best chance of the game as Pensacola surged down the right hand side with Hickok again setting up a goalscoring opportunity, but Hernandez could only lift his effort over the bar from 10 yards out.
It wasn’t long before the home team was rewarded as Harrelson was first to a Tyree free kick and placed a glancing header into the Jesters’ net at the 20th minute. New Orleans responded well as Sammuel Nichols and Maynor Ayala started to dominate the middle of the park. The visitors created a couple of excellent chances to finish off the half with one of them needing an excellent save from Caleb Thompson to keep Pensacola FC ahead.
The early part of the second half saw some of Pensacola FC’s best play as they created a number of opportunities to extend their lead and put the game away. Tyree and Hernandez both had excellent chances to make it 2-0 as they broke through the Jesters backline but couldn’t get the finish to cap it off. New Orleans slowly started to turn the screw as they applied pressure for the final 20 minutes, forcing some intense exchanges in the Pensacola defensive third, including multiple free kicks served deep into the box from the halfway line.
Jesters striker Taylor Weeks was a handful for the home side as New Orleans pushed for an equalizer right up until the final whistle. Chase Mills and Ty Ferguson held the backline intact with some key interceptions and clearances to settle things down and help Pensacola see out the final few minutes.
Pensacola FC held on to register their third home win in a row and will hit the road to play Port City FC on October 30th at 7:00 pm.
Photo Credit: 30ThirtyVision Jay Garcia
