Oxnard Squander Chances in 1-0 Loss to FC Arizona

A cold evening in Oxnard brought another unwanted result as the Guerreros fell yet again, making it six straight losses. This time to a newly rebuilt FC Arizona side by a score of 1-0.  Energetic Fans came out to support the Guerreros, once again getting behind Oxnard, cheering and chanting for the entire match.

“We were missing some talent,” head coach Juan Florez said. “We had good players, but we did not have enough depth.  The group that played needs to keep building chemistry.”

Offensively there were many chances for both teams. Moises Orozco, and Rogerio Solis of Oxnard put themselves in many dangerous areas over the course of the first half but were unable to put the ball on target and grab the lead.

FC Arizona, however, was able to take advantage of the chances they were given. Arizona earned a corner kick after Oxnard mistakenly put it out. They would serve the ball near post, and a flick to the back post by Cesar Mexia would result in the first and only goal of the match.

“Our precision in the offensive third needs to be better,” Florez added. “Our passing is not clean enough, and that doesn’t allow us to have more chances.”

The Guerreros continued to push following the goal, but couldn’t seem to find that final decisive pass that would lead to a goal.

“They were very good defensively against us” FC Arizona’s Head Coach Maxi Viera said.

Oxnard did allow the goal, but this was the first time all season that they’ve only allowed one goal to the opposition in a loss.

This stat was achieved by the hard work of the backline, and a new face at center back was a big reason why. Aaron Glover who usually finds himself higher up the pitch was forced onto the backline as a result of multiple players missing.

“It was a little foreign, but we were pretty solid back there,” Glover said. “It was one of the best defensive games we’ve played.”

The Guerreros will look to get back on the right track May 26 when the Riverside Coras come to visit.

In their last matchup in Riverside, the Coras were able to grab the full three points by a score of 2-1.

The phrase that rang throughout Campo Guerrero was “it’s slowly coming together” and the Guerreros will hope that is true as they look to finish the 2018 NPSL season strong.

Contributor: Gabriel Naudin/Oxnard Guerreros FC
Photo Credit: Crooked Tooth Media