Yemen United CA Soccer Academy Crowned Champions in a Historic 4-3 Thriller Over JASA Redwood City

By Favian Renkel/NPSL.com

In a match first of its kind, Yemen United CA Soccer Academy (YUSA) earned the title of 2024 NPSL Regional Fall Season Pacific Conference Champions with a dramatic 4-3 victory over JASA Redwood City.  It was a night to remember at Red Morton Community Park’s field in Redwood City, as history was made in the first-ever regional final.

The buildup to this final couldn’t have been more intense.  Just a week earlier, YUSA edged JASA 2-1 to secure second place on the leaderboard and book their ticket to the final.  Both teams arrived with a point to prove—JASA, featuring former players who had competed in Singapore and New Zealand, brought experience to the pitch, while YUSA showcased young talent, including players connected to Oakland Roots, Project 510, and even Yemen’s national team trials.

The opening moments set the tone for a thrilling affair.  JASA applied early pressure, narrowly missing an opportunity to take the lead thanks to a heroic last-ditch tackle by a YUSA center back.  On the counterattack, YUSA’s captain, striker Wadhah Albarak, had a chance to break the deadlock but fired wide.

JASA struck first in the 30th minute when Ian Gonda rose above the YUSA defense to head home a perfectly delivered corner kick, putting the home side up 1-0.  Moments later, JASA nearly doubled their lead when a deflected shot was heroically cleared off the line by YUSA goalkeeper Amen Allah.

As tempers flared in the high-stakes encounter, yellow cards were issued to both sides.  YUSA capitalized on a JASA defensive lapse to equalize before halftime, with Aimen Sharay calmly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper.  But JASA responded immediately, regaining the lead 2-1 after YUSA’s goalkeeper failed to hold onto a cross, allowing Julio Balino to poke the ball in.

The second half exploded into life, with both teams hitting the crossbar within minutes of each other to set the tone.  YUSA looked more dangerous as the game opened up as the second half advanced, but JASA goalkeeper Esteban Perla made several vital saves to maintain their lead.

YUSA found their breakthrough in the 75th minute when a stunning strike from outside the box by Khaled Aliwoig beat Perla, leveling the score at 2-2.  The equalizer ignited wild celebrations from YUSA’s bench as No. 33 led a cold yet emphatic celebration on a chilly night in Redwood City.

With momentum on their side, YUSA surged forward.  In the 82nd minute, they took the lead for the first time, 3-2, thanks to a spectacular curling effort by Albarak that kissed the post on its way in.  But JASA wasn’t done yet.  In the dying moments, a desperate corner kick saw David Kinnear rise above everyone to send his header into the back of the net with force, tying the game at 3-3 and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

YUSA had the last word.  A costly defensive error from JASA allowed Khalid Arramdani to break through one-on-one and slot home the winning goal in the final minutes, sealing a dramatic 4-3 victory.

For YUSA, this victory was more than just a trophy—it was the culmination of years of perseverance.  Captain Wadhah Albarak reflected on the significance of the win:

“Honestly, it’s a beautiful feeling.  The team deserves this trophy.  After all the finals we’ve lost—about eight to ten—it feels amazing to finally lift one.  This win lifts the team spirit and adds an achievement to our record.”

Head coach Eyad Algaradi echoed the emotions, calling it a dream come true:

“I don’t know if you know this, but this is almost our ninth final.  We’ve been playing together since 2014, and to finally win our first playoff trophy, especially in our first NPSL season, is just incredible.  I honestly thought it would be a low-scoring game, but soccer can surprise you.”

Yemen United’s triumph marks a historic moment for the club, and their championship run will be remembered as the first forever.  From thrilling goals to fiery tempers, the 2024 NPSL Regional Fall Season Pacific Conference Final had it all—a fitting end to a groundbreaking season.

Photo Credit: Dario Cruz/NPSL.com