FC Arizona Defeats Sacramento Gold FC 5-0
By FC Arizona
FC Arizona kicked off their home opener on Saturday coming off a 2-0 away win against conference rivals Las Vegas Legends. They were looking to continue their winning ways against Sacramento Gold FC, and their night could not have gone any better. The atmosphere of the home fans was spectacular with many showing their support for the Arizona club.
It did not take long for FC Arizona to get on the score sheet. In the fourth minute Marco Alfonso swept through the defense to play a great pass into Marlon Atondo who smashed the ball into the right side of the net and grabbed FC Arizona an early 1-0 lead.
Sacramento had the chance to bounce back in the 20th minute with a free kick placed just outside the 18-yard box. Sacramento’s Dalton Pondo set up to take the kick, but FC Arizona’s wall held strong and blocked the free kick. Sacramento would gather the ball back immediately, sending a shot from their attacking right. The ball would hit the crossbar, and FC Arizona sent it out of danger.
The only booking of the night would occur with Matt Lee being booked for a late challenge in the 32nd minute. Sacramento would go into the rest of the half with little possession and making some counter attacks. However, FC Arizona defended well, keeping possession through most of the half. The first half would end with FC Arizona up 1-0.
FC Arizona would kick off the second half aggressively, attacking the ball and creating chances very early. Similar to the first half, FC Arizona started scoring early with their second goal coming in the 47th minute. Cesar Moreno sent a great cross into the feet of Alfonso who struck the ball into the right end of the net, beating Sacramento’s keeper. This would give FC Arizona the 2-0 lead. Sacramento became more aggressive on the attacking end, bringing pressure to FC Arizona’s defense entering the later end of the second half.
FC Arizona would score yet again in the 56th minute. FC Arizona defender Jean Tacuri would send a great left-footed cross onto the head of striker Kyle Benjamin, making it a 3-0.
It would only take 10 minutes for FC Arizona to continue scoring. Benjamin would score again, receiving a through ball and smashing it in the left post. Arizona would emerge with a 4-0 lead.
The fifth and final goal on the night came in the 73rd minute. FC Arizona would line up for a free kick five yards from the 18-yard box. Sacramento did well to defend the first effort, but Arizona’s Justin Provenzano would gather the ball quickly in order to set up Tarek Salama for a one-time strike for a goal.
The match would end as a 5-0 win for FC Arizona who now have a 2-0 record. They will travel to Glendale, CA for their next fixture against Lions United FC on Saturday, May 6th.
Photo Credit: Arianna Photography
