Georgia Revolution FC Victorious over Emerald Force SC
The Revs started the season with a five-game unbeaten streak followed by a four-game losing streak. During the slip, the team played well but just couldn’t seem to get the result. That changed Saturday night when the Force visited McDonough and faced a team determined to win.
Entering the game, the Revs were without starting forwards Isaac Promise and EJ Henry. Also missing were defender Merveil Kiese and Goalkeeper Lewis Sharpe. It was time for their teammates to step up and that’s exactly what happened.
The game started as a back-and-forth affair with the Revs hitting two shots off the post. In the 24th the game was delayed for over 90 minutes due to lighting. When the teams returned to the field it was all Revs. In the 28th Devon Patterson finished a beautiful cross from newly signed Alex Harlley. The Force defenders continued to absorb pressure for the rest of the half and with several saves by their goalkeeper they were able to keep the game at a manageable 1-0.
As the second half started, the Emerald Force came out pressing for a goal, but the Revs defense smothered every attack. Nuvala Lima, with his first start in place of the suspended Kiese, dominated the middle of the defense giving the Force attackers no option but to go wide. Georgia Gwinnett College teammates right back Jack Gurr and left back Sagi Hirsch welcomed the attacks and shut down every effort made by the Force wingers.
In the 55th the Revs added to the lead when Gurr’s cross found local star Aaron Whitten, who slipped into space between two Force defenders and headed the ball in the net. Just two minutes later Gurr would have another assist when he sent a corner to midfielder Toni “El Tigre” Tiente, giving the Revs a 3-0 lead.
For the remainder of the game the Revs possessed the ball and frustrated the Force’s attempts to get on the scoreboard. The Force had their best opportunity late in the game but Revs goalkeeper Wesley Sprague came up with an acrobatic save, securing his clean sheet.
“This game means everything to the club and was a must-win,” Revolution captain Sagi Hirsch concluded. “We have a squad that can make history for the Revs and it starts tonight.”
Contributor: Georgia Revolution FC
Photo Credit: Ken Switay/Georgia Revolution FC
