In the season opener for both teams, Corinthians FC SA were victorious over the Houston Regals after a comfortable, 3-1 victory at San Antonio’s historic Alamo Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
In the 14th minute there was the first clear chance of the match as Pedro was able to get through the defense and try and round the keeper. But Rodriguez was denied by the offside flag which saved what could have been a costly foul for Corinthians FC SA.
Houston were having the better chances and in the 18th minute probably should have done better as Luis Lazo was played through but he sent his effort wide of goal, keeping it scoreless.
Despite that it was Corinthians FC SA who opened the scoring, through some neat work from Yuri Ribeiro. Ribeiro flicked the ball over his shoulder to create space for Alex De La Garza, leaving him with a simple finish as he passed it in to the back of the net.
In the 35th minute Corinthians FC SA were able to make it two, after some desparate goalkeeping from Daniel Medina kept the hosts out temporarily. Unfortunately for Medina the ball fell to Vincent Bailey, who was able to score the tap-in to double Corinthians FC SA’s lead, which was good for halftime.
It could have been three early in the second half as a short corner play caught out Houston, but the ball was just over hit, which meant Robin Nicholls couldn’t put it away.
But in the 69th minute Corinthians FC SA did have their third goal that sealed the win as Jonathan Camasena beat the keeper with a nice cross. That allowed Esteban Bayona to run on to the ball and head it home to give Corinthans FC SA a 3-0 lead.
In stoppage time Houston were able to pull a goal back as Gilberto Morgas headed home off the underside of the crossbar and down over the line. But it was too little too late as Corinthians FC SA finished comfortable 3-1 winners.
