Ventura College was the site of a third round U.S. Open Cup match between away side PSA Elite and home team Ventura County Fusion.
The Fusion kept the majority of possession during the first half. PSA Elite was not having as much luck, having resorted to counter attacking as their main game plan. The game continued with a 0-0 score until the 38th minute when a handball called in the box against Fusion midfielder Gor Kirakosyan. The penalty kick was scored by Elite’s Mats Bjurman, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead.
The first half continued with Fusion still dominating the game even though PSA Elite was in the lead. The stakes were extremely high for this game, for the winning team gets to travel to the StubHub Center to face the LA Galaxy of MLS.
Fusion kicked off the second half, making their way up the field with multiple shots on frame, but none hitting the back of the net. The possession of the second half seemed to be equal between the two teams even though PSA Elite managed to have a better pass completion rate. In the 71st minute, a handball was called against PSA, resulting in a free kick for the Fusion. The ball was getting tossed around, finally making its way into the box where Fusion’s Abdullah Adam struck the ball to the back of the net, tying up the game 1-1 with less than 20 minutes to play.
The intensity of the game continued until PSA Elite’s Justin Dhillon scored outside of the box in the 88th minute of the game. The Fusion tried to mount a comeback, but it was not meant to be.
Despite the many opportunities throughout the match, the Fusion fell to PSA Elite 2-1, thus ending their U.S. Open Cup journey for 2015.
“We played really well,” VCF forward Abu Danladi commented. “We dominated the game but made simple mistakes. The team didn’t give up, but at the end of the day the results didn’t come our way.”
The Ventura County Fusion now return their focus to PDL league play as they face the Burlingame Dragons on Friday night.
