After winning the last six games both at home and on the road, the Albuquerque Sol suffered a defeating loss, with a final score of 2-0 away against FC Tucson Saturday. The team had several close attempts on goal, but struggled to convert them, logging only their second loss of the season.
The Mountain Division remains up for grabs with the Sol now leading by only three points. The team also lost the lead in the PDL as both the Michigan Bucks and the Ventura County Fusion both won games in their divisions now leading the Sol by three points and four points respectfully.
“I believe the first few minutes cost us the game, they were able to take advantage of the opportunities we gave them and put the ball in the net,” Sol midfielder Manuel Campos said.
Their record now stands at 8-2-1, with three games remaining in the regular season.
Both goals for Tucson came within the first 10 minutes of play from Pedro Espindola before Albuquerque were able to pull themselves together and regroup. Sol goalkeeper Lucas Champenois was able to save another potential goal, denying Tucson from gaining any more for the rest of the match.
Albuquerque was aggressive in the second half, reflected in Tucson substitutes that saw them move from an offensive to defensive strategy.
“Tucson has a great team and the difference tonight was that they scored when given the chance, we didn’t,” reiterated Campos. “Even though we were away from home we had some great fan support here in Tucson.”
The loss has not deterred the team’s playoff hopes. The Sol has already secured a place in the post-season playoffs that are set to begin in just two weeks.
“We just need to keep pushing and not let this become a habit,” Sol defender Carlos Sendin said via Twitter.
The squad returned home where they will face Real Colorado tomorrow evening before playing them once again on Saturday. Then, they head to Midland for their final game of the regular season, a rematch against Midland/Odessa, who beat them during their opening game of 2015.
