Soccer News: NPSL SD Flash News

"How well our guys have played this season makes me wonder how we would do against clubs in the divisions above us like MLS or NASL," says Clent Alexander, CEO of SD Flash.

SD Flash (10 – 2 – 0) won an 8 – 0 victory over Phoenix Monsoon (0 – 0 – 8), and remain undefeated. The team clinched the NSP West South Conference Championship title for the second year in a row for San Diego at Del Norte HS in Poway.

The Flash are making their way closer and closer to the National Premier Soccer League Championships (NPSL); a ‘Final Four’ style, 3 day event hosted by the Flash here in San Diego from July 26 – 28. The Flash are hopeful to win the National Championship in front of the hometown San Diego soccer community.

As with most matches this year, teams play against the SD Flash Club very hard and very aggressively in the first half. Despite the fact that the Monsoon are winless this year, they came out strong. Perhaps their confidence was buoyed by only losing to the Flash by a score of 1 – nil earlier in the season in Arizona. The first 30 minutes could have gone either way, with each team making runs at opposite ends of the pitch.

Right at the 30 minute mark, however, is when the flood gates opened on what would be a big scoring night for the Flash. Nelson Pizzaro, sent a cross into the box. ‘Dutch’ Jock was well positioned to put a header in the back of the net and the Monsoon never had a chance after that.

At minute 37, Danny Ortega scored on an assist by Juan ‘Kichi’ Perez and in the 43rd minute, Sergio Valle-Ortiz, playing his first full game after returning from Major League Soccer trials with San Jose Earthquakes, scored on an assist from Justin Picou.

The half ended in favor of the Flash 3 – 0.

After making 3 substitutions at the half (Conor Hearn for ‘Dutch’ Jock; Brennan Tennelle for Sergio Valle-Ortiz; Brandon Zuniga for Justin Picou), the Flash didn’t miss a beat.

Next, in minute 53, O’rtega found himself on a breakaway from a pass by Brandon Zuniga for the 6th goal of the match for the Flash. Just 2 minutes later, Zuniga got a goal to join the scoring in minute 55.

Finally, after a penalty in the box, the Flash were awarded a Penalty Kick. Flash Captain Adrian DuBois, who also went on Major League Soccer trials last weekend, took and made the shot. At this point is was 8 – 0 Flash with 30 minutes still left in the match.

The Phoenix Monsoon tried to put together several rallies in the last minutes of the half, but the Flash came away with the shutout win. After the match, the players celebrated winning the 2012 West South Conference title on the field.

Coach Jerome Watson was pleased with the teams performance and said, “Tonight was a good all around team win. Because we had such a large lead, we were able to rest our starters and get everyone some playing time. This was important as we tune up for the NPSL Championships being held here in San Diego. We really have our focus on winning the National Championship in front of our fans.”

Flash Scoring:
’30 Dutch Jock – assist Nelson Pizarro
’37 Danny Ortega – assist Juan ‘Kichi’ Perez
’43 Sergio Valle-Ortiz

’48 Conor Hearn – assist Juan ‘Kichi’ Perez
’50 Andy O’rtega – assist Brennan Tennelle
’53 Andy O’rtega – assist Brandon Zuniga
’55 Brandon Zuniga
’75 Adrian DuBois – PK

Man of the Match: Danny Ortega

Next Home Match: SD Flash vs Fullerton Rangers  Sunday July 1 - Kick-off 8pm

Related Articles: SD Flash on SoccerNation