FC Arizona Defeats California Odyssey SC 2-1

By FC Arizona

The NPSL season for FC Arizona continued Saturday, May 20th when they took on conference rivals California Odyssey SC.  FC Arizona were at home again after defeating Oakland SC 2-1 in the previous week.  

The match started off slower than usual for Arizona, not having many shots at goal and only having half of the possession.  The first half was deadlocked at 0-0.

The second half would change everything.  In the 52nd minute, Marco Afonso would give an amazing solo effort, giving FC Arizona the 1-0 lead.  The battle continued with tensions growing between the players.  Yellow cards were issued to both FC Arizona’s Tarek Salama and California Odyssey’s Stephan Morris at the 71st minute.  California Odyssey would be further challenged when Michaelaaron Ortez being sent off for a bad challenge at the 76th minute.

The game would get exciting with California Odyssey making a breakthrough with attacker Phillip Rico scoring a wonderful free kick in the 88th minute, bringing the match level at 1-1. 

Even with the game looking like it would end in a stalemate, FC Arizona would score in the 92nd minute.  Attacker Kyle Benjamin put it in the back of the net, and Afonso collected the assist.  The crowd went wild as the players celebrated, and FC Arizona would continue their perfect record.

FC Arizona now sit undefeated at 5-0-0 and will be back at home on June 3rd against the Las Vegas Legends.

Photo Credit: JJ Digos