Albion San Diego will play the Maryland Bobcats on Thursday, June 15 at Canyon Crest Academy in hopes of repeating the performance from the 2022 NISA playoffs when it defeated Maryland in the quarterfinals on the way to the championship match. Albion came out with the 2-0 victory on that occasion thanks to a great game by its players like its captain Tyler Gabarra and key saves from goalkeeper Ben Roach late in the second half.
This meeting will be the first of two this season between the Albion San Diego and the Bobcats, which is in second place of the NISA standings with 15 points after eight games while Albion is in fourth place with 10 points in seven matches. The team, led by head coach Diego Gomez, split its most recent four-game road trip where it was victorious against the Savannah Clovers and Club de Lyon while suffering defeats at the hands of league-leader Chattanooga FC and in its rematch versus Club de Lyon on June 2.
“The trip was a positive outcome for the team,” said Gomez. “We are a little bit disappointed with the last result because we think we deserved more, but to play four games in a row on the road with so little resting time had a toll on the players. All things considered, I am happy with the team, they are giving everything.”
Albion San Diego will play its next four matches at home looking to gain valuable points before it goes on a three-game road trip where it will face Gold Star FC Detroit, the reigning champion Michigan Stars, and LA Force. The Maryland Bobcats are coming off a dominating 4-1 victory over the Savannah Clovers and have scored 16 goals this season, which is tied for best in the league with Chattanooga FC. The Bobcats are led in scoring by forward Darwin Espinal who has six goals which is tied for best in the league alongside Chattanooga FC forward Markus Naglestad.
“We are looking to be more solid defensively, to be able to deal with the talent that they have on top,” Gomez added. “Especially (Darwin) Espinal who is a very decisive player.” Kickoff for the game on Thursday is at 6 p.m.
Photo courtesy: David Frerker
