PREVIEW: THE GOLDEN GATE TAKES ON THE BEST OF THE NORTHWEST

CD Aguiluchos USA (Home) vs. OSA FC (Away)

Game Details: Saturday, July 9th, 8:00 pm at Raimondi Park in Oakland

Ticket Details: $5

CD Aguiluchos USA

CD Aguiluchos USA finished the regular season with a record of 7-4-3.  Aguiluchos has one of the country’s top offenses and a ton of talent and skill on defense.

Offense:  Forward Simon Rawnsley is the centerpiece of the Aguiluchos attack.  He is not just one of the best goal scorers in the West Region; he is among the top playmakers in the entire league.  He is, after all, the 2015 Puma Golden Boot winner after finishing that season with 12 goals and one assist.  Rawnsley has been even more exceptional in 2016 with 19 goals and five assists.  He is also among the leaders in the current Puma Golden Boot race.

Defense: Aguiluchos is also solid on defense thanks to defender Bengy Ruiz and goalkeeper Kevin Gonzalez.  Ruiz made 13 starts, while Gonzalez has 12 starts and three clean sheets.

Notable Quote: “Overall I am very pleased with how the season has gone. We started stronger than last year and kept the momentum going despite a blip. The character and resolve of the team has been tested but we keep showing that we have the determination and quality to compete with the best. Last season we were the underdogs going into games and played with less pressure, but after winning the Western championship we have a target on our backs and this season teams have been ready for us. I am looking forward to the playoffs this weekend and a tough game against OSA who have improved since we last played them at the start of the season. I feel sharp and want to finish the season with as many goals as I can and help the team to progress through the playoffs.” – Simon Rawnsley, CD Aguiluchos USA forward

OSA FC

OSA FC (5-3-2) is coming off their second conference championship and will face the second place team from the Golden Gate Conference.

Offense:  The OSA attack starts with forward Steven Wright, who tallied five goals and two assists in the regular season.

Defense:  Center back Eli Seye played in all ten games, anchoring the OSA backline.  Goalkeeper Keegen Rodgers had two clean sheets and a .800 GAA.  It is easy to see that the OSA defense is in good hands.

Notable Quote: “Our team is a mix of local, college, and Italian players who have been together for less than two months. Despite having very young players, our level of experience is growing very fast and beyond any expectations. We don’t want to stop improving and we want to keep prolonging our win streak. We know it won’t be easy considering the long travel and the level of our opponent, but we are ready for it and we will give all our best to qualify for the West semi-final.” – Filippo Milano, OSA FC head coach