ACFC finish fourth in playoff round

The Angel City Soccer League ended its inaugural season Sunday with Sunset FC hoisting the Tom Bry Honorary Cup.

Sunset FC played in all four playoff rounds on the day, and faced their toughest match during the opening round for 2nd-place finishers, eking out a 5-4 win against the AC Allstars, who finished second in the EPL. The Allstars started with a strong first half, up 1-0 off a David Woirhaye goal. However, a three-minute breakdown at the outset of the second half saw the host squad quickly down 3-1. The Allstars did rally back to tie the game 4-4 with Woirhaye adding two more strikes and Daniel Stafford heading a fourth in. But Sunset struck last before the final whistle to advance 5-4.

ACFC -- which topped the Ligue 1 standings -- met Sunset FC in the semi-finals but fell 3-0 despite a hard-fought match. Etonien FC, the league leaders with six wins in regular season play, also fell in the semis to a feisty Internazionale LA squad, who took their second straight PK round win to advance to the cup finals 4-4 (5-3).

Sunset were never bothered in the finals, taking an easy 9-0 win against an obviously spent Inter LA, while Etonien FC recovered from its shocking semis loss to knock off ACFC 8-4 in the consolation final.

Thanks to all 16 teams who participated in the ACSL, our referees for the season ... who kept things in check, and all the volunteers who helped with setup and breakdown of the fields and nets. And special thanks to those who brought out canned goods for the Westside Food Bank ... we filled up two good sized boxed for those in need. Seasons Greetings and a safe and Happy Holidays to all. See you on the fields in 2010.


Angel City Results and Stats

Regular Season

ACFC: 1st Place, Ligue 1
AC Allstars: 2nd Place, EPL
Angel City FC: 3rd Place, La Liga

2nd Place Playoff Round

AC Allstars (4) vs Sunset FC (5)
Goals: (Woirhaye, 3; Stafford)

Semi-Finals

ACFC (0) vs Sunset FC (3)

Consolation Finals

ACFC (4) vs Etonien FC (8)
Goals: (Worrel, Woirhaye, Gemballa, Kull)

Goal Stats (Week 6 + Playoffs, ACSL)

Tiit Tikenberg: 19
David Woirhaye: 18
Craig Nichols: 11
Luis Deveze: 8
Matt Onheiber: 6
Russ Muratov: 6
Marius Sandvik: 5
Michael Sharp: 4
Ben O'Meara: 4
Michael Gemballa: 4
Lazaro Deoliveira: 3
Ben Kull: 3
Leo Wallach: 2
Ivan O'Neil: 2
JC: 2
Daniel Klein: 2
Dan Stafford: 2
Brandon Cole: 1
Volkert Besseling: 1
Leo M.: 1
Miguel Lopez: 1
Peter Wasek: 1
Ian Worrel: 1

Week 6 ACSL results: two squads qualify

Two Angel City FC squads qualified for the ACSL playoffs Saturday.

ACFC topped the Ligue 1 standings with a fifth win, dropping the Swamp Donkeys into second place and earning the squad some Division silverware. Congrats to the squad for a quality season and for winning the Lique 1 trophy.

Other trophy winners included:

EPL: 20th Century Fox
La Liga: Etonien FC
Serie A: Typhoon FC

The AC Allstars also qualified for the second-place round of playoffs after EPL division leaders defaulted for a second week, disqualifying them from playoff play.

The Allstars play Sunday at 8:05 AM against Sunset FC while ACFC gets a bye until 11 AM when they will face either the Allstars, Sunset FC or 20th Century Fox.

The other two second place qualifiers were: the Swamp Donkeys and Internazionale LA.

The Tom Bry Cup Finals will be played at Noon Sunday, hopefully with an Angel City presence. Thanks to Ben Kull for all the hard work in pulling this league off, and to all the volunteers to helped out over the past six weeks.

ACFC (14) vs FC Marina (0)
Goals: (Deveze, 5; Sharp, 3; JC, 2; Cole, Woirhaye, Deoliveira, Lopez)
Shutout: Peter Marlenga

Angel City FC (3) vs Etonien (12)
Goals: (Woirhaye, 3)

AC Allstars (4) vs West LA Wanderers (5)
Goals: (Stafford, Muratov, Wasek, Klein)

Goal Stats (Week 6, ACSL)

Tiit Tikenberg: 19
David Woirhaye: 14
Craig Nichols: 11
Luis Deveze: 8
Matt Onheiber: 6
Russ Muratov: 6
Marius Sandvik: 5
Michael Sharp: 4
Ben O'Meara: 4
Michael Gemballa: 3
Lazaro Deoliveira: 3
Leo Wallach: 2
Ben Kull: 2
Ivan O'Neil: 2
JC: 2
Daniel Klein: 2
Brandon Cole: 1
Volkert Besseling: 1
Leo M.: 1
Miguel Lopez: 1
Dan Stafford: 1
Peter Wasek: 1

+30 Winter Schedule Released

The ACFC +30 LA Municipal League Schedule is now up ...

We play Wednesday nights this season starting Jan. 13 with the league running until April 14: Schedule

Joining ACFC in the Wednesday night division are: Dinamo Spartak; Glendale United; Burbank Red Machine; Fox and Hounds FC; Slamdance FC; Lions Soccer and SC United.

Start times for matches have changed slightly to 7:10 and 8:55 PM, and games will now be divided between the turf field at Griffith Park and two grass fields at John Ferraro (no. 5 and 7). One is rumored to be the new pitch we drooled over last season.

Team and individual awards will be given to the top two finishers in the league. The top four teams in each of the +30 Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday leagues will then advance to the +30 Division Championship playoffs, where the top two teams receive awards.

Can Food Drive

Hi everyone,

While we're finishing up our season and bringing the year to a close, ACSL would like to remember those less fortunate around the holidays. Times are tough and donations are down, so your help is needed to make sure everyone has enough food on their plates this holiday.

ACSL will be collecting unopened cans of food this Saturday and Sunday and donating them to the Westside Food Bank. Look for the cardboard boxes with the sign on them by the registration table next to the playground.

Our goal is to donate 300 items. If you're unable to donate cans, we'll accept cash and checks at the field as well.

Some ideas:

* Tuna, Vegetables, and Soup
* Fruits and Fruit Juices
* Pork & Beans
* Stews & Other Meats
* Pasta, Lentils, Pinto and other beans.
* Macaroni & Cheese & Packaged Dinners
* Instant Soups
* Hot and Cold Cereals
* Peanut Butter & other Nut Butters
* Nutritional Bars: protein, granola, energy or breakfast bars

For those of you with lil' ones, they could also use:

* Infant formula
* Jar foods – all flavors and stages
* Crackers, teething biscuits, and cookies
* Raisins & fruit snacks
* Juices: jars, cans, pouches and boxes
* Infant and children’s cereals


Thanks for your help and making ACSL a part of the community.


Best wishes to all and Happy Holidays,

ACSL

Angel City pushes up with three wins

Angel City came away with three necessary wins Saturday, allowing at least one squad to qualify already for the ACSL round of eight cup playoffs.

ACFC came out strong against the Swamp Donkeys, who handed the squad its first and only loss of the season in November, winning a hard-fought 8-5 match with calm play and some great goalkeeping from Peter Marlenga. Tiit Tikenberg, playing in his last game with the club (he returns to his native Estonia), notched five goals in the game. ACFC is now tied with the Donkeys on 12 points, though its GD of +7 leaves the squad in second place, seven goals down with one regular season match to go. However, second place is secure with the last week of play determining top spot.

Angel City FC also played a strong match against GT United, knocking off the last place La Liga team 6-0 with Peter Marlenga earning not only the team's, but the league's first shutout. Tikenberg added a brace to go out with a bang -- seven goals on the day. Angel City face a tougher battle for a playoff spot. Etonien FC have already captured top spot in La Liga with 15 points. Angel City are in third, three points behind Sunset FC, but face an almost insurmountable GD challenge (Angel City -10, Sunset FC +10), even if they win their last match and Sunset loses.

The AC Allstars earned another three points when EPL-leading Jonesy's Jukebox defaulted their game. That leaves the Allstars three points behind JJ and tied with 20th Century Fox on nine points. 20th Century Fox have a +6 greater GD, leaving the blues in third for now. However, the Allstars play bottom dwellers the West LA Wanderers, while JJ and 20th Century battle it out. Top and second place are free for the taking depending on the outcome of Week 6.


ACFC (8) vs Swamp Donkeys (5)
Goals: (Tikenberg, 5; O'Meara, Kull, Wallach)

Angel City FC (6) vs GT United (0)
Goals: (Tikenberg, 2; O'Meara, Woirhaye, Kull, Wallach)
Shutout: Peter Marlenga

AC Allstars (1) vs Jonesy's Jukebox (0) Default

Goal Stats (Week 5, ACSL)

Tiit Tikenberg: 19
Craig Nichols: 11
David Woirhaye: 10
Matt Onheiber: 6
Marius Sandvik: 5
Russ Muratov: 5
Ben O'Meara: 4
Michael Gemballa: 3
Luis Deveze: 3
Leo Wallach: 2
Ben Kull: 2
Ivan O'Neil: 2
Lazaro Deoliveira: 2
Volkert Besseling: 1
Michael Sharp: 1
Leo M.: 1
Daniel Klein: 1

Post Thanksgiving Turkey Blues for Angel City

ACFC (7) vs Del Rey City (6)
Goals: (Gemballa, 1; Deveze, 2; Woirhaye, 1; Tikenberg, 3)

Angel City FC (1) vs Sunset FC (12)
Goals: (Woirhaye, 1)

AC Allstars (3) vs 20th Century Fox (7)
Goals: (Tikenberg, 3)

Goal Stats (Week 4, ACSL)

Tiit Tikenberg: 12
Craig Nichols: 11
David Woirhaye: 9
Matt Onheiber: 6
Marius Sandvik: 5
Russ Muratov: 5
Michael Gemballa: 3
Luis Deveze: 3
Ben O'Meara: 2
Ivan O'Neil: 2
Lazaro Deoliveira: 2
Volkert Besseling: 1
Michael Sharp: 1
Leo M.: 1
Daniel Klein: 1

Happy Thanksgiving

Angel City FC and the Angel City Soccer Club wish everyone a Happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Here are some recent snaps from the ACSL to tide you over for a week including former US player and current LA Galaxy assistant coach Cobi Jones, as well as our own supa-stars Jonny Ibanez and the ever serious coach Billy Alarcon with Matt Onheiber.

The ACSL must being doing something right if Cobi Jones is playing.

Jonny Ibanez hamming it up on the sidelines.

The ever serious Billy Alarcon thinks strategy with Matt Onheiber

ACSL Results Week 3: strong mid-season finishes

Two Angel City squads solidified their second-place standings with hard-fought wins Saturday at Playa Vista to up their records to two wins and a loss.

ACFC destroyed FC Marina 10-4 and now sits three points behind the Swamp Donkeys in the Ligue 1 standings, while the AC Allstars knocked off the West LA Wanderers 4-2 and sit three points behind Jonesy's Jukebox in the EPL.

Angel City FC took on a tough Etonien FC and were down just 3-2 at the half, but the score fell to 6-3 by the final whistle. Angel City are currently in third place in La Liga with a win and two losses, but still have every chance of taking a top-two spot and making the playoffs in December.

ACFC (10) vs FC Marina (4)
Goals: (Nichols, 4; Gemballa, 2; Deveze, 1; Deoliveira, 1; Tikenberg, 1; OG)

Angel City FC (3) vs Etonien FC (6)
Goals: (Sandvik, 1; Woirhaye, 2)

AC Allstars (4) vs West LA Wanderers (2)
Goals: (Leo M., 1; Tikenberg, 1; Muratov, 1; Klein, 1)

Goal Stats (Week 3, ACSL)

Craig Nichols: 11
David Woirhaye: 7
Matt Onheiber: 6
Tiit Tikenberg: 6
Marius Sandvik: 5
Russ Muratov: 5
Michael Gemballa: 2
Ben O'Meara: 2
Ivan O'Neil: 2
Lazaro Deoliveira: 2
Volkert Besseling: 1
Michael Sharp: 1
Luis Deveze: 1
Leo M.: 1
Daniel Klein: 1

ACSL: Second Week Results mixed bag

ACFC (3) vs Swamp Donkeys (7)
Goals: (Nichols, 1; Onheiber, 1; Woirhaye, 1)

Angel City FC (6) vs GT United (5)
Goals: (O'Meara, 2; Sandvik, 2; Woirhaye, 1; Onheiber, 1)

AC Allstars (5) vs Jonesy's Jukebox (6)
Goals: (Tikenberg, 2; Muratov, 2; Sandvik 1)

Goal Stats (Week 2, ACSL)

Craig Nichols: 7
Matt Onheiber: 6
David Woirhaye: 5
Tiit Tikenberg: 5
Marius Sandvik: 4
Russ Muratov: 4
Ben O'Meara: 2
Ivan O'Neil: 2
Volkert Besseling: 1
Michael Sharp: 1
Lazaro Deoliveira: 1

Angel City Soccer League Kicks Off

The ACSL kicked off to a successful start Nov. 8 with eight matches at Playa Vista and a welcome visit from ACFC alumni and Cup honoree Tom Bry.

Angel City teams fared quite successfully, winning two of their three matches.



ACFC (8) vs Del Rey City (7)
Goals: (Nichols, 6; Sharp, 1; Deoliveira, 1)

Angel City FC (7) vs Sunset FC (10)
Goals: (Onheiber, 4; Tikenberg, 2; Sandvik, 1)

AC Allstars (9) vs 20th Century Fox (3)
Goals: (Woirhaye, 3; Besseling, 1; Tikenberg, 1; Muratov, 2; O'Neil, 2)


I will be recording Angel City stats on the blog as usual, but for overall results, schedules and standings please visit the ACSL website: acsl.angelcityfc.com

Special Practice Sunday, Oct. 26: Playa Vista

We'll be doing a dress rehearsal for the ACSL 7 v 7 league on Sunday at Playa Vista from Noon- 2pm.

That means the three Angel City FC squads be putting up our goals, setting up the field and playing 7 v 7 games.

This is important since it's the last time we'll be practicing at Playa Vista before the start of the league on Nov. 7. So please try your best to attend, especially if you plan to play in the league.

As usual, the cost for the field is $5 per player.

Thanks.

Ben

ACFC misses playoffs by a goal and a point

After being put in a must-win points situation by a 1-0 win for Armenia Deportivo over the Nomads earlier Monday night, Angel City came out hard from the starting whistle against the league-leading Hotspurs.

For the first 10 to 15 minutes Angel City stormed the Spurs defensive area, earning numerous corner kicks in the process, but no goals.

The Spurs lone tally came at the 24-minute mark on a counter, with a lone striker taking the ball down the left side past two defenders before slotting the ball near post into the net.

Play after the goal was fierce at both ends with the Spurs crisp passing game pitted against Angel City's speed and hustle. Sparked on by some impressive saves by keeper Dave Styles -- two of which he took on the chin ... literally -- ACFC fought with heart through the remainder of the game, but couldn't quite finish off their chances.

What could only be dubbed one-sided officiating didn't help matters with numerous and often unwarranted calls being made in the Spurs favor and decisions, including a blatant and intentional handball in the Spurs box, being waved off.

Ultimately fate was not on Angel City's side. The squad played at 120 per cent right up until the finishing whistle but came away with a fourth place finish (24 points, 8 wins, 5 losses, one canceled match), one point behind Armenia Deportivo. The Spurs finished top of Div B with 33 points, followed by Hollywood United. Top two teams from each division (A, B and C) qualified for the playoffs, joined by the top two performing third-place squads.

Ben O'Meara took the team's 2009 scoring title with eight goals, followed by David Woirhaye with six and Brandon Cole with five. Woirhaye topped the assists category with six, followed by Ben Kull with five and Cole with four. And Kull was the most honored player with two MVP awards. On the dark side Rahoul Ghose had the most yellow cards with five (though rumor has it he is proud of the accomplishment), followed by Peter Wasek with three.

Angel City thanks Coach Billy Alarcon and player manager Ben Kull for their commitment and support throughout the season. The squad is already looking to better their results in the spring.


GAME STATS

ACFC (0) vs Hotspurs(1)

Goals:
Hotspurs: (24:00)

ACFC douse the Devils 5-2 in spirited win

Despite an early goal mishap and an apparently undermanned ACFC side, Angel City came out with an inspired performance on the backs of a huge midfield presence from Ben Kull and Brandon Cole to take three necessary points from The Devils in Monday night's 5-2 match.

An errant side flick resulted in an early goal nine minutes in for the Devils, but ACFC struck back less than a minute later off a solo run from Brandon Cole (one of the game's two MVPs). Angel City then settled into a one-touch passing flow creating numerous chances. Midfielders Ben Kull (the second MVP on the night) and David Woirhaye also helped the ACFC defensive effort with strong back-checking. The squad started the match with 10 players and weren't up to full strength until 15 minutes in with the arrival of Michael Sharp.

Woirhaye put the side up 2-1 at the 33-minute mark after getting a pass from Kull and then wending his way through several defenders before striking the ball home past a sprawling keeper.

Sharp added a third two minutes later, combining with Luis Deveze. But The Devils struck back on 36 minutes against the run of play off a poorly defended corner kick.

To say the officiating was lop-sided would be an understatement. At some points in the later stages of the first half one wondered if the squad had shown up for an international diving meet, replete with painful screams where often little or no body contact was involved. Numerous free kicks were awarded outside the City box, but the Devils could not convert despite the helping hand. One FK did hit the back meshing, but was taken before the ref's whistle was blown (The Devils had requested the ACFC wall be moved back 10 yards beforehand). Amusingly, the kicker celebrated the non goal for at least a minute before reality set in.

By the second half Angel City had hit its stride, dominating play and shutting down The Devils offense with solid defence from the back line and keeper Dave Styles.

Peter Wasek, who was moved up to the midfield, earned his first goal of the season at the 64-minute mark, knocking in a pass from Deveze. And Deveze capped the win with a breakaway goal off a pass through by Sharp on 82 minutes.

The squad could have knocked in several other goals which were cleared by a besieged keeper and several defenders at the last minute.

ACFC remains in third place with 24 points (8 wins, 4 losses) behind Hollywood United and the Spurs, who played one another Monday night as well (waiting on result). Following next week's bye, Angel City face the Spurs.

After talking the the league, it appears unlikely that the rematch against Atletico Espanol -- originally canceled due to poor air quality as a result of local forest fires -- will be played. A win and a strong run of goals are a must against the Spurs, consequently, as second place will likely be decided on goal differential. Only the top two qualify for the inter-divisional playoffs right away, though there will also be two wildcard spots given to the top two finishing third place teams from Div A, B and C.


GAME STATS

ACFC (5) vs The Devils(2)

Goals:
ACFC: (Brandon Cole, 9:00; David Woirhaye, 33:00; Michael Sharp, 35:00;
Peter Wasek, 64:00; Luis Deveze, 82:00)
The Devils: (9:00; 36:00)

Corner Kicks:
ACFC (2) vs The Devils (6)

Shots:
ACFC (6) vs The Devils (7)

Yellow Cards:
ACFC (4) vs The Devils (2)

Red Cards:
ACFC (0) vs The Devils (0)

ACFC loses tight 2-1 match to Hollywood United

Angel City came up short Monday night at Griffith Park, losing a tight 2-1 decision to Hollywood in the race for the top two playoff spots in the LA Municipal League (Div. B).

Top two teams in each of the three division qualify for the inter-divisional championships in mid-October.

ACFC started on its heels under instant pressure from a star-littered United side, but held off all chances with strong defence and solid goalkeeping from Dave Styles.

Ten minutes in ACFC began to create its own counterattacking chances with runs from Ben O'Meara, captain Sevan Hanimyan and Brandon Cole penetrating the offensive half. At the 28-minute mark O'Meara was hauled down in the box giving ACFC a PK opportunity. Cole stepped up and struck the right side back meshing to put Angel City up 1-0. The remainder of the half saw more ACFC chances and a defence and mid-field effort which stymied United chances.

The second half saw United pushing forward even harder, leaving a changed up back defensive line to deal with numerous chances on goal. At the 55-minute mark Hollywood United finally managed to convert a corner kick (one of several in a row) to tie the game at 1-1. Ten minutes later United headed in a second goal.

ACFC chances in the final 25 were pushed back by solid defending. However, ACFC managed to keep any more goals from coming in off the quick counterattacks created by pushing the team forward for the equalizer. Styles put in a solid effort between the posts while Kirby Adams and Leo Wallach mopped up the ball during several potential breakaway situations.

The loss unfortunately leaves ACFC in third place, four points behind Hollywood United and possibly six points behind the Spurs, who played The Devils Sept. 28. The good news is United and the Spurs play next week, guaranteeing at least one will lose points. Angel City face The Devils, the Spurs and a rematch against Atletico Espanol, so a top two spot is still within reach. Three wins and a strong run of goals are a must though as second place will likely be decided on goal differential.


GAME STATS

ACFC (1) vs Hollywood United (2)

Goals:
ACFC: (Brandon Cole, PK, 28:00)
Hollywood United: (55:00; 65:00)

Yellow Cards:
ACFC (0) vs Hollywood United (2)

Red Cards:
ACFC (0) vs Hollywood United (0)

ACFC takes three points from Inter default

Sporting a strong side, ACFC arrived at Monday's return match against Inter with the hopes of a big win and a stronger goal differential.

But Inter failed to show ... not a single player arrived, despite the squad's strong fan base making an appearance.

The default gives ACFC its seventh win on the season out of 10 games (for 21 points), with matches against Hollywood United, The Devils and the Spurs still to be contested. The league has not announced when its canceled games from a few weeks back will be played. When scheduled, ACFC will also face a make-up match against Atletico Espanol.

The league tables have yet to be updated to include last and this week's results. So ACFC either sits in second or third spot depending on the Hollywood United v Armenia Deportivo result last night.

ACFC need a top 2 finish to qualify for the inter-divisional playoffs later this season.

This week also saw the departure of Aussie battler Sevan Hanimyan, who returns to his native land Down Under next week after putting in a strong season.

Angel City next play Hollywood United Sept. 28 at Griffith Park with an 8:45 PM kickoff. The teams' last meeting was a tight one, with United missing a PK and ACFC knocking a lone goal in during the dying minutes for the win.

ACFC launches new Fall 7s league

ACFC Manager Ben Kull has launched ACFC's latest initiative, a fall 7s league designed to fill in the playing gap between September and February for adult soccer players.

The new Angel City Soccer League expects to host 16 teams for 7 v 7 play at Playa Vista Sports Park starting Nov. 7. The community turf field will be used to stage two games at once with full-sized goals. Eight matches -- two per division -- will be held each day during the six-week regular season. The top two teams in each division will then be entered in a post-season tournament, while remaining squads will participate in a series of friendlies. Every squad is guaranteed at least seven games up to a maximum of 10, including playoffs for the $500 registration fee, which also includes ref fees.

Information about the league and an online registration form are now available on the ACSL's new website: http://acsl.angelcityfc.com.

A day after launch five squads, not including any of those from ACFC, had registered already.

ACFC back to winning ways

While still a little rusty from the two-week break from play, Angel City FC returned to its winning ways Monday night at John Ferraro with a convincing 4-0 win over bottom dwellers Nomads FC.

Ben O'Meara, who continues to tear up opposing defences, started the scoring early with a strike at the six-minute mark off a pass from Aussie import Sevan Hanimyan.

ACFC created numerous chances in the half but couldn't convert. However, strong defence from the back line and some tip-over saves from Dave Styles kept the squad's goose egg in tact.

The second half saw ACFC take advantage of better fitness and some great backchecking by the midfield, which kept the ball in the opposing half for much of the final 45. Brandon Cole notched his third of the season off a header from a Leo Wallach cross 15 minutes in. Wallach drew off the entire Nomads defence leaving Cole unattended in the box, with a welcome heading opportunity past the keeper.

David Woirhaye then switched the ball with a lofty cross to newly returned midfielder Marius Sandvik, who then unselfishly passed the ball into the center where Luis Deveze converted the goal at 75 minutes. Woirhaye closed out the scoring at 80 minutes when he was sent through on a breakaway by player manager Ben Kull.

The score easily could have been double the final tally. Keeper Dave Styles, who recorded his second shutout of the season, was named team MVP of the match.

ACFC -- which now has six wins and three losses for 18 points -- play Inter next week at John Ferraro with a 7 PM kickoff. The team were in fourth place before this week's results (three points behind table leaders Hotspurs and one point behind Hollywood United and Armenia Deportivo) and won't know if the win bumped them up to third until the league posts the tables for Sept. 14. Hollywood United did grab three points against Atletico Espanol, but the result of the Hotspurs vs Armenia Deportivo match was not known at press time.

GAME STATS

ACFC (4) vs Nomads (0)

Goals:
ACFC: (Ben O'Meara, 6:00; Brandon Cole, 60:00; Luis Deveze, 75:00;
David Woirhaye, 80:00)

Shutout: Dave Styles
MVP: Dave Styles

Yellow Cards:
ACFC (2) vs Nomads (1)

Red Cards:
ACFC (0) vs Nomads (0)

ACFC Beach Celebrations

Congratulations to the ACFC 7's team, which won the regular season title in the Santa Monica League Santiago Division. Please come celebrate another successful season.

Date: Sunday, Sept. 13
Time: 1pm
Location:
Mother's Beach
14000 Palawan Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292

website

We will be playing beach soccer, volleyball, swimming and barbecuing.

Feel free to invite any friends.

Please let me know if you can bring some kind of food or drink to add to the BBQ.

-Ben

Schedule update for over 30s

The LA Municipal League has postponed tonight's return match with Atletico Espanol -- set for a 7 PM kickoff at Griffith Park -- due to the current fire situation north of LA and overall poor air quality in the area.

With the upcoming Labor Day Weekend the team will not be back in action again until Sept. 14 when ACFC will face the Nomads at John Ferraro with an 8:45 PM kickoff

ACFC tops 7s Santiago Division with 5-2 Valhalla win

ACFC took Angel City FCs second 7s Division Cup -- in as many seasons -- with a hard-fought 5-2 over Valhalla Saturday at the Santa Monica Airport fields.

It came down to the last game of the season, with ACFC only two points up on Finn McCool United after last week's results ... so only a win would guarantee the Santiago Division Championship.

Playing a patchwork Valhalla side -- made up of a number of last minute additions -- ACFC still faced a tough battle. Player manager Ben Kull opened the ACFC account early in the match as the two sides traded off goals. And Kirby "Hammerhead" Adams grabbed his piece of glory notching his first goal of the season just before half (props to the back line).

Valhalla struck a second time on one of their many counterattacks up field, but the squad's lack of subs slowed the side down to almost a standstill by mid-half, leaving ACFC more time to take its chances. Tiit Tikenberg added to his tally on the day -- five goals over three matches, while David Woirhaye ended the day and season on fire with a brace of his own. Tikenberg's performance left him with 34 goals on the season and the club 7s scoring title. Woirhaye finished second with 17 goals narrowly edging out Craig Nichols with 16 (full stats below).

The win left ACFC up two points on Finn McCool United (who also won Saturday) and left the squad with an impressive record of seven wins, two ties and a loss.

Angel City FC also had something to cheer about as an 11-3 win over The Wailers bumped the team into a second-place finish, three points behind Typhoon FC. While the early game performance saw a tight match with goals on both sides, Angel City pulled away in the second half.

Angel City scored a Sevilla Division-leading 70 goals and had the second best goals against record of 37 for the top GD of +33.

Matt Onheiber was in the zone with three crisp finishes, while Tikenberg and Jonny Ibanez notches braces. Ricardo Ledoux, Mike Gemballa, Volkert Besseling and Sevan Hanimyan each recorded singles. Angel City FC finished the season with six wins and four losses.

Playing in what was the hardest division -- Setanta -- the AC Allstars faced a fierce battle against the LA Soccer Club for nothing but team pride. But despite some strong performances, the side dropped a close 5-4 loss to end the season 3-1-5. The squad did have some highlight moments during the season including a 4-0 win over Matador FC, but found it hard to fire on all pistons with a majority of its games scheduled as the first of the day. Dogtown FC won the division with a clean 10-0-0 record and a GD of +49 followed at some distance by Matador FC with a 5-0-5 record.

Sevens play in the Santa Monica Adult Soccer League now goes on hiatus until February 2010, though Angel City FC is currently looking into the possibility of hosting a league in the off-season. More information on that soon.

Until then the club wants to thank coach Billy Alarcon and Manager Ben Kull for all their hard work and devotion to the club this past season. The pair now turn their full attention to the club's over-30s squad in the LA Municipal League, where Angel City FC is fighting for a playoff berth in Div B.

______________________________________

LA Soccer Club (5) vs AC Allstars (4)
Goals: Tiit Tikenberg (2), Heitor Herculano, David Woirhaye

The Wailers (3) vs Angel City FC (11)
Goals: Matt Onheiber (3), Tiit Tikenberg (2), Jonny Ibanez (2),
Ricardo Ledoux, Volkert Besseling, Mike Gemballa, Sevan Hanimyan

Valhalla (2) vs ACFC (5)
Goals: David Woirhaye (2), Tiit Tikenberg, Ben Kull, Kirby Adams

______________________________________

Top Goal Scorers | Summer 7s

34 Tiit Tikenberg
17 David Woirhaye
16 Craig Nichols
10 Matt Onheiber
8 Marius Sandvik
8 Russ Muratov
8 Sevan Hanimayan
7 Jonny Ibanez
5 David Alarcon
5 Volkert Besseling
5 Ben Kull
4 Nahum Navas
4 Mike Lewis
4 Michael Gemballa
4 Ricardo Ledoux
3 Heitor Herculano
3 Michael Sharp
3 Jaime Chavez
3 Brad Helmink
2 Ian Worrel
2 Miguel Lopez
2 Santiago Gomez-Ribeiro
2 Ari Yaghmaie
1 Kirby Adams
1 Ivan O'Neil
1 Sergei Baranov
1 Brandon Cole
1 Kelechi Okoro
1 Leo Medina
1 Lazaro Deoliveira

ACFC drops second straight loss

Angel City FC dropped its second straight loss -- the second 3-1 result to Armenia Deportivo this season -- and the squad now finds itself middle of the Div B tables, fighting for one of the two inter-divisional playoff spots.

The top five squads in the eight-team division are separated by three points with six games to go in the season. So in reality, any of those five squads could take the top two spots if they put together a winning run.

ACFC started the game on its heels again with Armenia pushing for the early goal. It took about 15 minutes for the side to warm up and start controlling the ball in midfield, but Armenia Deportivo's chances in the final 30 feet were slim. Even so, ACFC found itself one down at the 23-minute mark after a run down the right wing and across the end line led to a goal. Angel City out-shot Armenia 9-7 in the half but couldn't convert its chances.

The second half also saw Armenia taking its chances, while ACFC seemed to rush the ball in the final quarter of the field. Final passes before the goal were not clicking. Armenia notched two goals at 66:00 and 70:00 off conversions in the box, while ACFC were pushing up for the tying goal. An own goal at 71-minutes off a David Woirhaye shot appeared to give the home side some hope ... but delay-of-game tactics and rough play stalled ACFCs counterattack. Angel City fought hard to the final whistle but came out empty handed.

Following the match player-manager Ben Kull said while the loss was disappointing he still felt the squad played well and created chances. Kull added the game was much better than the team's 1-0 loss to the Hotspurs last week. Armenia was a good team with a strong passing game, he said.

ACFC play Atletico Espanol FC next week at Griffith Park with a 7 PM kickoff.


GAME STATS

ACFC (1) vs Armenia Deportivo (3)

Goals:
ACFC: (OG, 71:00)
Armenia Deportivo: (23:00, 66:00, 70:00)

Shots:
ACFC (15) vs Armenia Deportivo (10)

Corner Kicks:
ACFC (4) vs Armenia Deportivo (2)

Yellow Cards:
ACFC (2) vs Armenia Deportivo (2)

Red Cards:
ACFC (0) vs Armenia Deportivo (0)

ACFC 7s Results: August 22: Going for silverware

ACFC moved one step closer to a 7s title in the Santa Monica League's Santiago Division Saturday with a convincing 9-3 win over the Slutty Buffalos (2).

Tiit Tikenberg, Ben Kull and David Woirhaye each notched a brace while David Alarcon, Sevan Hanimyan and Heitor Herculano added singles for the win. Michael Magid was solid between the posts, supported by strong defensive efforts from Leo Wallach and Kirby Adams.

ACFC now has a record of six wins, two ties and a loss going into next week's season finale against Valhalla, who were in second place -- tied with Finn McCool United -- before this week's matches. A win will guarantee the silverware.

Angel City FC also improved its record to five wins and four losses with a scrappy 8-4 win over McDermott FC. Tikenberg scored an impressive five goals in the match which also saw singles from Matt Onheiber, Russ Muratov and Ricardo Ledoux. Peter Marlenga guarded the posts well throughout the match, which started off as a much closer game in terms of chances and ball control before the home side knocked in a few. Angel City sat tied for third before this weekend's matches and will finish the summer season out next week with a rematch against The Wailers. The highest the team can finish is second overall in the Sevilla Division.

The AC Allstars finished out Saturday's action with a hard-fought and often confrontational 3-3 tie with the Beverly Hills (say no more) Allstars. The game started on a sour note with an own goal off a header, but the AC Allstars fought back from behind twice to tie the match. Two BHers were red carded -- one for a retaliatory kick to player and the other for blatant dissent towards the ref -- before the final whistle. Heitor Herculano notched the initial tying goal, while Tikenberg added another two to his day's tally of nine, including a dying minutes goal to finish up the match 3-3. The AC Allstars record in the Setanta Division improves to three wins, a tie and five losses, with the squad looking forward to closing out its summer season next week with a rematch against the LA Soccer Club.

All three squads are coached by Billy Alarcon and managed by Ben Kull.

______________________________________

BH Allstars (3) vs AC Allstars (3)
Goals: Tiit Tikenberg (2), Heitor Herculano

McDermott FC (4) vs Angel City FC (8)
Goals: Tiit Tikenberg (5), Matt Onheiber, Ricardo Ledoux, Russ Muratov

Slutty Buffalos 2 (3) vs ACFC (9)
Goals: Tiit Tikenberg (2), Ben Kull (2), David Woirhaye (2),
Heitor Herculano, Sevan Hanimyan, David Alarcon

______________________________________

Top Goal Scorers | Summer 7s

29 Tiit Tikenberg
16 Craig Nichols
14 David Woirhaye
8 Marius Sandvik
8 Russ Muratov
7 Matt Onheiber
7 Sevan Hanimayan
5 Jonny Ibanez
5 David Alarcon
4 Nahum Navas
4 Volkert Besseling
4 Mike Lewis
4 Ben Kull
3 Michael Sharp
3 Jaime Chavez
3 Brad Helmink
3 Michael Gemballa
3 Ricardo Ledoux
2 Ian Worrel
2 Miguel Lopez
2 Santiago Gomez-Ribeiro
2 Ari Yaghmaie
2 Heitor Herculano
1 Ivan O'Neil
1 Sergei Baranov
1 Brandon Cole
1 Kelechi Okoro
1 Leo Medina
1 Lazaro Deoliveira

ACFC 11s take one on the chin

Angel City came up short Monday night during LA Municipal Soccer action against the Hotspurs, missing two penalty kicks and allowing a single goal late in the second half. The 1-0 loss, the team's second this season, still sees ACFC tied with the Spurs for first place as the third placed Hollywood United lost a close 1-0 decision to The Devils.

The first half saw the ACFC defence pushed back on their heels on the fast Griffith Park turf field, facing a strong passing game from the Hotspurs, though neither side produced any substantial goal opportunities over the 45 ... save for a PK awarded for a handball in the box at the five-minute mark, which the Spurs keeper saved. The team was unfortunately missing several key players on the night including midfielders Matt Onheiber, Michael Sharp and Brandon Cole.

The second half added striker Ben O'Meara into the mix, giving ACFC some speed in the offensive half and several chances on goal. While ACFC started to take control of the midfield, the Spurs still racked up numerous shots on keeper Peter Marlenga, who held his line.

The Spurs were awarded several free kicks outside the Angel City box as the second half wore down, and at the 81-minute mark a chip over the defensive wall allowed a sprinting Spurs striker to finally knock one past Marlenga.

To the squad's credit, ACFC battled back for the remainder of the game, pressure which afforded the team a second PK opportunity after defender Peter Wasek was taken down in the box on a corner kick. The incident saw the Spurs defender ejected with a straight red. But the second PK was also struck poorly, leaving ACFC to lick its wounds and prepare for next week's rematch against Armenia Deportivio.
(Griffith Park | Aug 24 | 8:45 PM)


GAME STATS

ACFC (0) vs Hotspurs (1)

Goals:
Hotspurs: (81:00)

Shots:
ACFC (4) vs Hotspurs (16)

Corner Kicks:
ACFC (5) vs Hotspurs (1)

Yellow Cards:
ACFC (1) vs Hotspurs (3)

Red Cards:
ACFC (0) vs Hotspurs (1)

ACFC 7s Results: August 15

Dogtown FC (7) vs AC Allstars (4)
Goals: Tiit Tikenberg (2), Mike Gemballa, Sevan Hanimyan

Team Esquire (5) vs Angel City FC (3)
Goals: David Woirhaye, Russ Muratov, Nahum Navas

Swamp Donkeys (4) vs ACFC (6)
Goals: Nahum Navas (3), Lazaro Deoliveira, Ben Kull, Sevan Hanimyan
______________________________________

Top Goal Scorers | Summer 7s

20 Tiit Tikenberg
16 Craig Nichols
12 David Woirhaye
8 Marius Sandvik
7 Russ Muratov
6 Matt Onheiber
6 Sevan Hanimayan
5 Jonny Ibanez
4 Nahum Navas
4 Volkert Besseling
4 Mike Lewis
4 David Alarcon
3 Michael Sharp
3 Jaime Chavez
3 Brad Helmink
3 Michael Gemballa
2 Ian Worrel
2 Miguel Lopez
2 Santiago Gomez-Ribeiro
2 Ricardo Ledoux
2 Ari Yaghmaie
2 Ben Kull
1 Ivan O'Neil
1 Sergei Baranov
1 Brandon Cole
1 Kelechi Okoro
1 Leo Medina
1 Lazaro Deoliveira

ACFC squeaks by The Devils 2-1

Went to a UFC match Monday night and a soccer game broke out ... kind of.

Striving to secure first place in Div 2B, ACFC met the second of three major challenges Aug. 10, taking on a strong Devils side, who were intent on rebounding from a 7-1 thrashing they had received at the hands of the league-leading Hotspurs last week.

In a game marred by sketchy challenges and the usual John Ferraro ball dynamics, Angel City still kicked off to an early lead with Ben O'Meara taking a David Woirhaye pass and striking it solidly past The Devils keeper just seven minutes in.

Strong defence and solid goalkeeping from Peter Marlenga kept The Devils reigned in for most of the half and at the 33-minute mark Brandon Cole notched his second of the season, knocking in the deflection off a DW shot inside the box. Cole literally walked the ball in over the goal line with a smile on his face.

After the second goal gentlemanly conduct appeared to go out the window, with The Devils defence knocking O'Meara to the ground on several occasions (it seemed to be the only way they could stop him). One such challenge left O'Meara with a gash in the side of his head and a blood stained jersey. While O'Meara left the game at that point, his injuries will not keep him out of the lineup for next week.

The second half saw more clunky challenges from the Devils, and a few more ACFC injuries, with Ben Kull being taken down from behind, and Peter Wasek being cleated down the calf. Calls were not forthcoming.

The Devils pushed forward and made things interesting, putting a lone goal past Marlenga at the 47-minute mark on a bouncing shot from just outside the box.

But strong performances from eventual MVP Peter Wasek, Kirby Adams and Leo Wallach, and a couple of breakaway saves by Marlenga (one off a bicycle kick), kept the win in ACFC hands.

Matt Onheiber -- who picked up the lone ACFC yellow card during the game for a fair challenge -- and David Alarcon also had strong nights.

When the final whistle sounded coach Billy Alarcon was heard to say: "Great match boys ... I heard we won." The squad may have lost a few battles on the field, but came away with the overall win.

ACFC's record now sits at 5 wins and a loss, with a +12 GD. The squad play the Hotspurs next Monday at Griffith Park with a 7 PM kickoff. The Hotspurs lost 3-0 to Hollywood United Monday leaving ACFC alone at the top of the tables with one game to go before mid-season.


GAME STATS

ACFC (2) vs The Devils (1)

Goals:
ACFC: Ben O'Meara (7:00), Brandon Cole (33:00)
The Devils: (47:00)

Assists:
David Woirhaye (2)

Shots:
ACFC (8) vs The Devils (12)

Corner Kicks:
ACFC (2) vs The Devils (4)

Yellow Cards:
ACFC (1) vs The Devils (1)

MVP: Peter Wasek

ACFC 7s Results: August 8

Matador (0) vs AC Allstars (4)
Goals: Russ Muratov (2), Matt Onheiber, David Woirhaye
Shutout: Peter Marlenga

Typhoon FC (5) vs Angel City FC (2)
Goals: Brad Helmink (2)

Barrington United (4) vs ACFC (7)
Goals: Craig Nichols (3), David Alarcon, David Woirhaye, OG, Leo Medina
______________________________________

Top Goal Scorers | Summer 7s

18 Tiit Tikenberg
16 Craig Nichols
11 David Woirhaye
8 Marius Sandvik
6 Matt Onheiber
6 Russ Muratov
5 Jonny Ibanez
4 Volkert Besseling
4 Sevan Hanimayan
4 Mike Lewis
4 David Alarcon
3 Michael Sharp
3 Jaime Chavez
3 Brad Helmink
2 Ian Worrel
2 Miguel Lopez
2 Santiago Gomez-Ribeiro
2 Ricardo Ledoux
2 Michael Gemballa
2 Ari Yaghmaie
1 Ivan O'Neil
1 Sergei Baranov
1 Ben Kull
1 Brandon Cole
1 Kelechi Okoro
1 Leo Medina

ACFC topples Hollywood United

A saved penalty kick, a last minute goal and solid defense throughout ACFC's first encounter with the Hollywood United machine pushed the home team to a narrow 1-0 win, first place in Div 2B, and a game-winning streak which now sits at four.

Monday's match up at the John Ferraro dustbowl saw the triumphant return of Peter Marlenga in between the ACFC posts in a game which could have gone either way. For 80 minutes the run of play, shots on goal, ball possession and even fouls were dead even. The ACFC defense, bolstered by some solid goaltending by Marlenga held the line -- withstanding heavy pressure from the high-scoring United side, while the Angel City forwards and midfield pressed forward on the counter to create several goal scoring opportunities.

However, at the 80-minute mark Hollywood United were awarded a PK for a 50-50 collision in the box ... some would say was not warranted. Marlenga, the hero of last year's Division C Cup final stepped up to the line and repeated his PK-saving performance, aided by a quick defence, which managed to leap on and clear the rebound.

Then eight minutes later some solid work in the opposing box by Sevan Hanimyan saw the ball slide into the goalmouth between Matt Onheiber and Ben O'Meara. O'Meara, who had earlier narrowly missed a shot from point blank range, made no mistake this time round and deftly shot the ball beneath a sprawling keeper for the win. Another chance seconds later threatened to make it 2-0, but the final whistle blew to give ACFC its fourth straight win.

ACFC's record now sits at 4 wins and a loss, with a +11 GD. The squad play The Devils next Monday at John Ferraro with an 8:45 PM kickoff.


GAME STATS

ACFC (1) vs Hollywood United (0)

Goals:
ACFC: Ben O'Meara (88:00)

Assists:
Sevan Hanimyan

Shutout:
Peter Marlenga

Shots:
ACFC (11) vs Hollywood United (12)

Corner Kicks:
ACFC (2) vs Hollywood United (6)

Yellow Cards:
ACFC (1) vs Hollywood United (0)

MVP: Peter Marlenga

ACFC 7s Results: August 1

Euro United (1) vs AC Allstars (4)
Goals: Tiit Tikenberg (2), Michael Gemballa, Sevan Hanimayan

Slutty Buffalos 3 (5) vs Angel City FC (2)
Goals: Tiit Tikenberg, Matt Onheiber

Fin McCool United (7) vs ACFC (2)
Goals: Mike Lewis, Ari Yaghmaie

______________________________________

Top Goal Scorers | Summer 7s

18 Tiit Tikenberg
13 Craig Nichols
9 David Woirhaye
8 Marius Sandvik
5 Jonny Ibanez
5 Matt Onheiber
4 Russ Muratov
4 Volkert Besseling
4 Sevan Hanimayan
4 Mike Lewis
3 Michael Sharp
3 Jaime Chavez
3 David Alarcon
2 Ian Worrel
2 Miguel Lopez
2 Santiago Gomez-Ribeiro
2 Ricardo Ledoux
2 Michael Gemballa
2 Ari Yaghmaie
1 Ivan O'Neil
1 Brad Helmink
1 Sergei Baranov
1 Ben Kull
1 Brandon Cole
1 Kelechi Okoro

ACFC takes third straight win with 6-2 Inter drubbing

A quartet of goals by striker Ben O'Meara bolstered ACFC to its third straight win Monday night as the blues destroyed Inter 6-2.

Neither shoddy officiating nor the questionable quality of the John Ferraro pitch could keep Angel City down as the squad played calm, cool and collected against an undermanned Inter, in a game where the away side could easily have notched double digit goals.

O'Meara -- voted MVP of the match -- opened the ACFC account at the 19-minute mark off a pass from Brandon Cole, and added a second nine minutes later after a strong run down the wing by a newly revitalized Ben Kull.

David Woirhaye put ACFC up by three just before the half, converting a pass from David Alarcon.

The second half was littered with questionable calls by the referee, with Inter getting numerous free kicks outside the ACFC box for dives and often non-existent contact. One such kick resulted in an Inter goal at the 67-minute mark. However, when O'Meara was hauled down on the opposite side of the pitch right in front of the ref, no such call materialized. After being yellow-carded for dissent, O'Meara got the best possible revenge, notching his third and fourth strikes at the 70 and 71 minute-marks off passes from Cole and Woirhaye.

Inter converted a second ridiculous free kick outside the box at 78 minutes (a call which saw two more ACFC yellow cards for dissent). But Woirhaye capped the win minutes later, capitalizing on a counterattack by Kull and Cole.

The game saw a strong back line and solid midfield back-checking restricting Inter to seven shots over the 90 minutes.

ACFC's record now sits at 3 wins and a loss, with a +10 GD. The squad play Hollywood United next Monday at John Ferraro with an 7 PM kickoff.


GAME STATS

Inter (2) vs ACFC (6)

Goals:
ACFC: Ben O'Meara (19:00, 28:00, 70:00, 71:00),
David Woirhaye (38:00, 78:00)

Inter: (67:00, 78:00)

Assists:
Brandon Cole (3), Ben Kull (2), David Alarcon, David Woirhaye

Shots:
Inter (7) vs ACFC (14)

Corner Kicks:
Inter (2) vs ACFC (6)

Yellow Cards:
Inter (0) vs ACFC (3)

MVP: Ben O'Meara

ACFC 7s Results: July 25

LA Soccer Club (7) vs AC Allstars (5)
Goals: Tiit Tikenberg (2), Sergei Baranov, Marius Sandvik,
Sevan Hanimayan

Valhalla (2) vs Angel City FC (10)
Goals: David Woirhaye (3), Craig Nichols (2), Ben Kull, Sevan Hanimayan,
Marius Sandvik, Tiit Tikenberg, Ari Yaghmaie

The Wailers (5) vs ACFC (8)
Goals: Jonny Ibanez (2), Santi Gomez-Ribeiro, Craig Nichols,
Tiit Tikenberg (2), Ricardo Ledoux, Sevan Hanimayan

______________________________________

Top Goal Scorers | Summer 7s

15 Tiit Tikenberg
13 Craig Nichols
9 David Woirhaye
8 Marius Sandvik
5 Jonny Ibanez
4 Russ Muratov
4 Volkert Besseling
4 Matt Onheiber
3 Sevan Hanimayan
3 Michael Sharp
3 Jaime Chavez
3 Mike Lewis
3 David Alarcon
2 Ian Worrel
2 Miguel Lopez
2 Santiago Gomez-Ribeiro
2 Ricardo Ledoux
1 Michael Gemballa
1 Ivan O'Neil
1 Brad Helmink
1 Sergei Baranov
1 Ben Kull
1 Ari Yaghmaie
1 Brandon Cole
1 Kelechi Okoro

ACFC notch convincing 6-1 Nomads win

An overall calm, strong passing, good finishing and a solid back line handed ACFC its second victory of the B Div Summer season.

From the opening whistle, Angel City took the game to the Nomads, pushing forward for the opening goal and cutting off counterattacking opportunities well up field. Brandon Cole opened the ACFC account at the five-minute mark off a shot just outside the box. Cole added to the tally with a pass to David Woirhaye at 13 minutes, allowing DW to notch his second goal of the season.

Maintaining that forward pressure both on and off the ball created numerous chances, and seven minutes later a Blake Nickle shot deflected off a Nomads defender for goal no. 3.

The Nomads only chance of the half came from a poor pass in the 18-yard box which keeper Dave Styles recovered from with a flashy save, punching ball over the crossbar.

The second half also saw Angel City dominate on the field and featured a brace from striker Russ Muratov, who was eager to get the scoring monkey off his back. The first -- at the 60-minute mark -- was a first-time kick in the box off a great cross from Ben O'Meara.

The Nomads lone goal came at the 81-minute mark ... a looping cross into the net. But Mutatov responded quickly with his second goal minutes later, with a hard shot which again defected off a Nomad defender and into the net. David Alarcon iced the win with a shot just before the final whistle to end the game 6-1. Player-manager Ben Kull was awarded MVP of the match for his tenacity and endurance as part of a strong midfield presence which both created plays and shut down Nomad opportunities.

ACFC's record now sits at 2 wins and a loss, with a +6 GD. The squad play Inter next Monday at John Ferraro with an 8:45 PM kickoff.


GAME STATS

Nomads FC (1) vs ACFC (6)

Goals:
ACFC: Brandon Cole (5:00), David Woirhaye (13:00), Blake Nickle (20:00),
Russ Murtov (60:00, 83:00), David Alarcon (90:00)
Nomads FC: (81:00)

Assists:
Brandon Cole, Ben O'Meara, Ben Kull

Corner Kicks:
Nomads FC (2) vs ACFC (6)

Yellow Cards:
Nomads FC (1) vs ACFC (1)

MVP: Ben "Tornado" Kull

ACFC 7s Results: July 18

Angel City's three 7s squads posted and mixed bag of results Saturday taking a loss, a win and a tie.

The AC Allstars -- contesting the toughest division of the three -- dropped a disappointing third straight loss to fall to 1 and 3. The Setanta division now features two teams with 4-0 records and four with 1-3 records, leaving the Allstars still tied for second. This week's four goals were notched by Ian Worrel, Tiit Tikenberg, Michael Gemballa and Miguel Lopez, but the squad's overall performance was a little uninspired, lacking both finishing and an edge on the ball.

Angel City FC hit the field next against a more amenable Mc Dermott FC side, notching six unanswered goals to up their record to three wins and a loss. Matt Onheiber and Volkert each recorded a brace with Ricardo Ledoux and Titt Tikenberg adding singles for the win. Sergei Baranov stepped between the posts to record the shutout.

ACFC wrapped up the games with a hard fought 5-5 tie against the Slutty Buffalos 2. In what can only be described as a wide open scoring-fest, ACFC started strong with an early goal by David Woirhaye after a strong run into the box by Ari Yaghmaie. The Buffalos then tied the game, but an Ivan O'Neil strike before the half left the squad up by one at the break.

The second half saw a flurry of goals, with the Buffalos taking the lead at one point 4-2. Striker Craig Nichols -- in an effort reminiscent of Alan Shearer in his prime, took advantage of a tetchy Buffalo back two on no less than three occasions to elevate to squad to a 5-5 tie. ACFC remain undefeated with a record of two wins and two ties.

All three squads return to action July 25.

______________________________________

BH Allstars (9) vs AC Allstars (4)
Goals: Ian Worrel, Tiit Tikenberg, Michael Gemballa, Miguel Lopez

Mc Dermott (0) vs Angel City FC (6)
Goals: Matt Onheiber (2), Volkert Besseling (2), Ricardo Ledoux,
Tiit Tikenberg

Slutty Buffalos 2 (5) vs ACFC (5)
Goals: Craig Nichols (3), David Woirhaye, Ivan O'Neil
______________________________________

Top Goal Scorers | Summer 7s

10 Tiit Tikenberg
10 Craig Nichols
6 Marius Sandvik
6 David Woirhaye
4 Russ Muratov
4 Volkert Besseling
4 Matt Onheiber
3 Michael Sharp
3 Jaime Chavez
3 Mike Lewis
3 Jonny Ibanez
3 David Alarcon
2 Ian Worrel
2 Miguel Lopez
1 Brandon Cole
1 Kelechi Okoro
1 Santiago Gomez-Ribeiro
1 Michael Gemballa
1 Ricardo Ledoux
1 Ivan O'Neil
1 Brad Helmink

ACFC TAKE 3-0 ATLETICO ESPANOL FC WIN

Angel City FC were back to winning form last night at Griffith Park taking a strong 3-0 win against Atletico Espanol FC on the back of a solid mid-field and defense and some key stops by keeper Dave Styles (yes Styles ... you're in the lede).

Holding the home team to five shots, ACFC showed the spark that won them the Div C championship last season, shutting down a quick Atletico attack before it could get started.

The game saw the return of scoring sensation Ben O'Meara -- who tore through the Atletico defence -- and featured a much stronger offense than the squad's opening game efforts last week. Aussie import Sevan Hanimyan opened the scoring at the 10-minute mark finishing off an in-the box run from Matt Onheiber.

While, at the other end, Dave Styles kept his shutout alive with an amazing one-handed save on a near breakaway just before the end of half.

Manager Ben Kull also showed some of his Tornado tenacity in the game with some key tackles in mid-field (one would never know he was injured for the better part of last season).

Expecting Atletico to come out strong in the second half for the tying goal, ACFC quickly turned the tables with a quick counterattack at the 49-minute mark, with Ben O'Meara converting a David Woirhaye pass to tweak the twine.

And holding mid-fielder Matt Onheiber capped the win at the 70-minute mark off a pass from Russ Muratov to quash any last hopes Atletico might have had for a comeback.

The squad returns to the Griffith Park turf field July 20 against Nomads FC with a 7 PM kickoff. The LA Municipal league has yet to update the tables with results from week one, but those listings will be posted on the ACFC fixtures page as soon as they are available. ACFC's record sits at a win and a loss with a +1 Goal Differential.

GAME STATS (as provided by Bryan Moore)

Atletico Espanol FC (0) vs ACFC (3)

Goals:
ACFC: Sevan Hanimyan (10:00), Ben "Where'd He Go" O'Meara (49:00),
Matt "The Enforcer" Onheiber (70:00)
Atletico Espanol FC : 0

Shots:
Atletico Espanol FC (5) vs ACFC (13)

Corner Kicks:
Atletico Espanol FC (0) vs ACFC (6)

Yellow Cards:
Atletico Espanol FC (0) vs ACFC (1)

Shutout: Dave Styles
MVP: Goth

ACFC 7s Results: July 11

Dogtown FC (9) vs AC Allstars (4)
Goals: Ian Worrel, David Woirhaye, Michael Sharp (2)

Team Esquire (4) vs Angel City FC (3)
Goals: Jonny Ibanez, Santi Gomez-Ribeiro, Tiit Tikenberg

Swamp Donkeys (3) vs ACFC (3)
Goals: David Alarcon, Craig Nichols, Miguel Lopez

All three teams return to play July 18.

Top Goal Scorers | Summer 7s

8 Tiit Tikenberg
6 Marius Sandvik
7 Craig Nichols
5 David Woirhaye
4 Russ Muratov
3 Michael Sharp
3 Jaime Chavez
3 Mike Lewis
3 Jonny Ibanez
3 David Alarcon
2 Volkert Besseling
2 Matt Onheiber
1 Brad Helmink
1 Ian Worrel
1 Brandon Cole
1 Kelechi Okoro
1 Santiago Gomez-Ribeiro
1 Miguel Lopez

ACFC drops season opener 3-1 in tight match

Missed chances and early season jitters got to Angel City FC in their summer opener against Armenia Deportivo Monday night at John Ferraro.

Sporting a new light blue and white adidas kit, the squad got off to a slow start offensively in the first half, but weathered the storm for the first 15 minutes before generating some counterattacking opportunities on goal. However it was Deportivo who struck first at the 28-minute mark off a free kick outside the box which saw the ball go over the wall and into the right hand corner of the net, past keeper Dave Styles.

However, ACFC stuck back four minutes later off a free kick from the far right corner of the field. Winger David Woirhayne notched the team's first Div B goal with a looping cross which fooled the Deportivo goalie. The game stayed tied 1-1 at the half despite chances at both ends of the pitch.

The second half also opened with chances for both squads, but ACFC's finish was a little rusty. Armenia notched their second goal at the 63-minute mark with a shot from outside the box which caught keeper Styles off guard. And Deportivo iced the win with a third strike between Styles and the near post at the 79-minute mark.

ACFC kept up the pressure to catch up in the goals department, but couldn't convert their chances.

Following the match Coach Billy Alarcon said he knew what elements the team needed to work on and that issues on the field would be resolved for the squad's second match next week against Atletico Espanol FC at Griffith Park (8:45 PM kickoff).

Also on a positive note, Monday's match saw the return of playing manager Ben Kull to action after a season of injury recovery. ACFC features several new faces this season including 7s regulars Michael Sharp and Blake Nickle.

GAME STATS (as provided by Bryan Moore)

Armenia Deportivo (3) vs ACFC (1)

Goals:
ACFC: David Woirhaye (32:00)
Armenia Deportivo: (28:00, 63:00, 79:00)

Shots:
Armenia Deportivo (18) vs ACFC (11)

Corner Kicks:
Armenia Deportivo (1) vs ACFC (4)

Yellow Cards:
Armenia Deportivo (0) vs ACFC (2)

From the LA Municipal Soccer League

NOTE: ACFC 11s players should always try to be at games at least 30 minutes prior to kickoff for warm-up and official sign-in.

From the league:

DATE: March 17, 2009
TO: 2009 WINTER/SPRING SOCCER LEAGUE MANAGERS/CAPTAINS
FROM: CUONG CHAU, Senior Recreation Director II
SUBJECT: GAME TIME
Managers/coaches please have your players there at least 10 minutes prior to the start time. This way they can sign in, turn in their player ID card, and be ready to play when the official blows the whistle. The official will start the game with a minimum of seven (7) players (Section VIII C). At the ten (10) minute grace period if the team is unable to have the minimum players it will be a forfeit at that point. Then the league office will deduct $100.00 from your bond to cover for the official’s fee. Please check with the center referee as to when the 10 minute grace period starts. Beginning Monday March 23, 2009, officials will enforce the forfeit time.

30+ 11s summer/fall schedule posted

The Angel City FC +30 11s side contesting the LA Municipal Soccer League tables starts summer/fall play Monday, July 6 in Division B with a match against Armenia Deportivo at John Ferraro (7 PM kickoff).

The 11s squad will be posted once it is announced this coming week by Manager Ben Kull and Coach Billy Alarcon.

The full season schedule is now available on the ACFC website fixtures page.

This season will also see Angel City FC competing in an inter-divisional championship (+30 A, B and C Divisions), if the squad finishes in the B Division's top 2.

In other news, Angel City will be awarded the Division C winners cup from the winter/spring season at the Home Depot Center before the July 11 match between Chivas and the Galaxy. Team members will also participate in a parade of champions.

Mixed bag for 7s

Angel City took two of three games Saturday, with ACFC knocking off Barrington United 12-2 and Angel City FC tackling Typhoon FC 12-4.

Marius Sandvik topped the day's single-game goal tally with four for ACFC, while Tiit Tikenberg took five over three games, with a hat trick in the Allstars match and singles for ACFC and Angel City FC. In his first game back for a while Mike Lewis showed some Welsh pride with a hat trick, topping English rival Craig Nichols, who settled for a brace on the day. And Russ Muratov, who only played for 2/3s a match notched a hat trick.

Other multi-goal scorers included: Volkert Besseling (2); David Alarcon (2); and Matt Onheiber (2). Jonny Ibanez, David Woirhaye and Brad Helmink took singles.

The AC Allstars came up short in the first match of the day losing 6-3 to a strong Matador FC side.

All three teams have the July 4 weekend off and return to play July 11.

Top Goal Scorers | Summer 7s

7 Tiit Tikenberg
6 Marius Sandvik
6 Craig Nichols
4 David Woirhaye
4 Russ Muratov
3 Jaime Chavez
3 Mike Lewis
2 Jonny Ibanez
2 David Alarcon
2 Volkert Besseling
2 Matt Onheiber
1 Brad Helmink
1 Michael Sharp
1 Brandon Cole
1 Kelechi Okoro

No 7 v 7 Action on July 4

Dear Saturday League Team Manager,
In observance of the July 4th Holiday, we are not scheduling any games to be played for the Saturday Leagues on July 4th. Please enjoy the day off with family, friends and lots of BBQs. Have fun on the 4th!

Your CO-Directors,

Rolando and Serafin
Santa Monica Adult Soccer League

Goal 3: Taking on the World

For those of you who are fans of the Goal movie series, following the football tribulations of Mexican immigrant superstar Santiago Munez, prepare for a big disappointment.

While the first two installments -- Goal: The Dream Begins and Goal II: Living the Dream -- are widely considered to be in the top five of great soccer flicks, the final movie in the trilogy should be red-carded and sent to the locker rooms.

Directed by Andy Morahan, and written and produced by Mike Jefferies from the first two Goal films, Goal! 3: Taking on the World will not have a theatrical release and was instead released straight to DVD and Blu-ray in the UK on June 15, 2009. The release date for North America has not been announced. Can you say budget issues?

From the movie's plot description (and the vast amount of hugely horrible reviews online) none of the open-ended plotlines from the first two films are followed up. In fact from what I have read, the series' main character Munez doesn't even play a significant role in the finale. He never makes the World Cup. Also, unlike earlier films, there are no football star cameos ... only stock footage of World Cup action is used. And all acted football action is green screened.

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(From Wikipedia)

In the third installment of the football drama trilogy Goal!, Kuno Becker returns as Mexican footballer Santiago Munez, who along with his best friends and England national team players Charlie Braithwaite (Leo Gregory) and Liam Adams (JJ Feild), are selected for their respective national teams at the 2006 FIFA World Cup Finals in Germany.

However, as the three attend the shooting of a film Braithwaite is featured in, tragedy befalls them. All 3 best friends and Braithwaite's new love interest and soon to be fiancee Sophia Rossi (played by Kasia Smutniak) suffer a car accident which puts Munez out of contention through injuries. Meanwhile, Liam Adams discovers to his horror that he has a new daughter, Bella, from former love interest June (played by Anya Lahiri). This only adds to Liam's preexisting alcoholism and release from Real Madrid. It is revealed that Munez is set to return to England as a Tottenham Hotspur player under a 2 year contract, along with Adams, who resigns with Newcastle United, the original club of both ex-Real players. The film goes on to depict the World Cup from the English perspective. Liam scores the winner against Sweden, assisted by a header from Charlie, and England successfully qualify for the knock-out stages. However, in the match against Ecuador, Braithwaite is injured, and dies on the way to the hospital, the result of a brain aneurysm suffered during the car accident in the beginning of the film. Italy beat France on penalties in the final to take home the crown of champions of the world.

England crash out of the quarterfinals against Portugal, as Adams, visibly shaken by Braithwaite's death, misses a crucial penalty against Portuguese keeper Ricardo while Cristiano Ronaldo converts. Despite the loss, the movie ends on a high note, as Adams weds June, together among friends again.

Also following the tournament around Germany in their St. George’s Cross festooned camper van are the ‘Geordie Boys’, whom we first met back in Goal!. Providing the entertaining fans' perspective of the matches are Newcastle United diehards Gordon (Mike Elliott), Foghorn (Christopher Fairbank), Walter (Jack McBride) and Phil (Craig Heaney) in their drunken, womanizing adventures in Germany.

Unlike in the first two films, Roz, Glen Foy, and Gavin Harris do not feature in the film, and all actual professional footballers are shown through stock World Cup footage. The sporting role of the actors' in this film is limited to the green screen.

---------------------

You can purchase a PAL version of the movie from Amazon UK, or scroll through the long list of pitiful one-star reviews and just put this one out to pasture.

ACFC starts summer 7s with trio of wins

Angel City's three summer 7s squads all tasted victory during action at the Santa Monica Airport fields Saturday.

The AC Allstars started the run with a 4-2 win over Euro United. Jaime Chavez notched a pair with Tiit Tikenberg and Mike Sharp each adding singles.

The second game saw the return of the Angel City FC vs Slutty Buffalo (this time No. 3) rivalry, with the home side rolling to an 8-4 win on the strength of a David Woirhaye hat-trick. Pete Wasek, Tiit Tikenberg, Jaime Chavez, Russ Muratov and Jonny Ibanez all added goals.

Keeper Dave Styles had a strong game in both of the two starting matches, filling in for an absent Peter Marlenga for the Allstars opener.

ACFC capped the day with a hard fought 8-5 win over Finn McCool United. Craig Nichols knocked in fours goals, with Marius Sandvik adding a brace. Brandon Cole and the newly signed Kelechi Okoro each netted a single. Sergei Baranov stepped between the posts for the match and made several inspired saves, including a PK.

Next week all three teams see action with games set for 11:30 am, 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm.

Top Goal Scorers | Summer 7s

4 Craig Nichols
3 David Woirhaye
3 Jaime Chavez
2 Marius Sandvik
2 Tiit Tikenberg
1 Michael Sharp
1 Brandon Cole
1 Kelechi Okoro
1 Russ Muratov
1 Jonny Ibanez

PS: belated best wishes to Coach Billy Alarcon, who's Birthday was June 8.

Sevens summer season starts Saturday

Saturday at the Santa Monica Airport soccer fields will again flow with the sounds of seven-a-side soccer starting June 20. The division cup which the AC Allstars won last season should also be making an appearance ... hopefully.

Angel City will again field three sides for the summer session, though squad names have swapped due to a scheduling mixup. Best of luck to everyone, and welcome to the new players joining us.

AC Allstars | Setanta Division

S Q U A D: Sergei Baranov, Jaime Chavez, Mike Gemballa, Rahoul Ghose, Miguel Lopez, Peter Marlenga, Michael Sharp, Dan Stafford, Tiit Tikenberg, David Woirhaye, Ian Worrel

AC Allstars vs Euro United | Santa Monica Airport - EAST | 10:30 AM

_____________________________________________________________

Angel City FC | Sevilla Division

S Q U A D: Volkert Besseling, Santiago Gomez-Ribeiro, Brad Helmink, Jonny Ibanez, Ricardo Ledoux, Blake Lewis, Russ Muratov, Matt Onheiber, Dave Styles, Owen Szabo, Tiit Tikenberg, Peter Wasek

Angel City FC vs Slutty Buffalos 3 | Santa Monica Airport - EAST | 11:30 AM

_____________________________________________________________

ACFC | Santiago Division

S Q U A D: Justin "Kirby" Adams, David "Puma" Alarcon, Ben Kull, Mike Lewis, Matty McCallum, Michael Magid, Bryan Moore, Craig Nichols, Ivan O'Neil, Marius Sandvik, Leo Wallach, Ari Yaghmaie

Finn McCool United vs ACFC | Santa Monica Airport - CENTER | 12:30 PM

Styles hits the big lights

ACFC Keeper Dave Styles got his moment of fame Saturday night at the Home Depot Center guarding the posts for an MLS Alumni squad in a friendly against their LA Galaxy counterparts from years past.

Cheered on by a raucous crowd of ACFC players, Styles played a strong second half letting only one goal past him. He made at least eight saves and backed up a fading defence to keep the score 3-0 by game's end.

Styles' fan base included: coach Billy Alarcon, manager Ben Kull and his father from Arizona, Puma and Irmgard, Marius Sandvik, an unusually mellow Rahoul and wife Katherine, Pete Wasek, Peter Marlenga, Sergei and Amy ... and Styles' mother ... all the way from Seattle.

Styles will be back in Santa Monica 7s league action this coming Saturday at the Santa Monica Airport fields.

Our teammate Tom Bry

Angel City club member Tom Bry was in a serious accident June 8. He was hit by an SUV Monday morning while riding his bike on Lincoln Blvd in Venice. The accident was not a hit and run, but we still don't know all the details.

Luckily Tom had no serious head or spinal damage and he is no longer in critical condition. Unfortunately he does have broken ribs, a compound fracture in his leg, a fractured pelvis, a broken arm and various other lacerations.

Tom finished surgery Monday night and is now in a room in the ICU at Reagan Hospital at UCLA. They're trying to limit the amount of visitors he has right now, so it won't be possible for guys to visit him today. Manos and I will be with him this afternoon.

In a few days, when he is moved to a regular room, it will be easier to visit and send him gifts. Right now he is awake and alert and in good spirits.

Tom will have a long and difficult recovery over the next six months. But we all know that he is among the most resilient people around. He's been able to play competitive soccer past the age of forty due to his ability to work hard, train smart and take care of his body. If anyone can recover from this, it is Tom.

Until then, please keep Tom in your thoughts and prayers. We will be organizing a club effort to raise money to send Tom a get well gift.

Thanks.

Ben Kull

ACFC practice updates

Since the UCLA fields are closed tonight due to maintenance the ACFC practice scheduled for tonight at 6:30 PM has been cancelled. The squad's next practice is this coming Sunday, June 14 at Playa Vista. Start is at 10 AM and cost per player will be $5 to $7 depending on attendance. We pay for this field rental. Please let Billy and Ben know if you are coming out.

ACFC take silver in shootout final

ACFC lost a heartbreaker in the final 2-1 to the del mar Sharks in the second of two shootout rounds. With the score tied after 90 minutes (Tiit Tikenberg scored in the first half on a PK) and an addition 5 minute OT round, the game went to a shootout featuring five players from each squad. With that ending in a 1-1 tie (Mike Gemballa notched the lone goal while keeper Michael Magid turned away four of five shots), the keepers each had a go. The Sharks won in the next round, scoring a second goal. ACFC did itself proud on the field taking home silver medals.

ACFC advance to 6 v 6 finals

ACFC lost their shootout round against the del mar Sharks but came back strong against the B flight winners, knocking off Franco Estrella 4-2 in an exciting semi-final. The game was tied at the half 2-2 with capitano David Woirhaye and Mike Gemballa notching goals. Marius Sandvik added a second half brace to take the win. ACFC face the del mar Sharks yet again in the 3pm final.

ACFC in shootout for Flight A seeding

Due to one team dropping out ACFC's 8am Sunday match is a no go. Instead the squad will have a shootout playoff at 10:30am against the del mar Sharks to determine top seed in flight A for the semis set for 11am. Whoever wins will play the second seed in flight B for a place in the 3pm finals.

ACFC mount comeback to tie in tourney opener

Angel City FC came from behind to take a 1-1 tie against the del mar Sharks during 6 v 6 tourney action Saturday. Down 1-0 at the half, ACFC were awarded a pk when Miguel Lopez was taken down by the goalie in the box. In an old NASL shootout format Tiit Tikenberg turned the goalie inside out to notch a goal and the tie.

Note that due to a lack of lights Tuesday's practice at UCLA has been bumped up to a 6:30 pm start.

Practice | 6 v 6 coverage

Especially for those competing next week in San Diego, don't forget about practice tonight, 8 PM, UCLA ... most likely Drake Stadium. For those not coming to San Diego, I will be updating the blog remotely with results from the 6 v 6 charity tourney. The schedule for the tourney is now up.

We are in men's open class which has been split into two divisions of three teams.

We only have two regular games ... the first is Saturday at 9 am and the second is Sunday at 8 am.

If we make top two we advance to the semis ... if not we play in the 3rd place consolation round. Either way the games are 11 am on Sunday.

The final is 3 PM on Sunday.

All fields are turf ... except if we play in the consolation (that field is grass)

On the tourney site you can see the full draw here:

http://kickforacure.demosphere.com/schedules/2009/14892705.html

ACFC heads south for 6 v 6

Angel City FC heads south next month for a charity 6 v 6 tourney in San Diego. A squad of 12 players will contest the Kick for the Cure Charity Soccer Tournament -- in support of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy -- June 6 and 7, competing in the adult men's division.

The team -- coached by Billy Alarcon -- includes: Kirby Adams, Brandon Cole, Mike Gemballa, Rahoul Ghose, Dan Klein, Matt McCallum, Michael Magid. Marius Sandvik, Mike Sharp, Tiit Tikenberg, Leo Wallach and David Woirhaye. Manager Ben Kull is making the trip down, as are recovering ACFC mainstays Dan Sapienza and Bryan Moore.

ACFC will face a minimum of three matches (2 x 20 min halves) with finals set for Sunday. Kick for a Cure will take place at Westview High School, 13500 Camino Del Sur, San Diego, CA 92129. Mandatory team check-in for the tourney is on Friday, June 5 from 6 - 9 PM at the Doubletree Hotel, San Diego Del Mar, 11915 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130.

Tourney Rules | Directions | Sponsoring Hotels

ACFC Celebrates Silverware

Many thanks to Billy and Ben, both for the great team party over the weekend, and -- more importantly -- for creating a football club where friendships and off-field events are just important as victory on the field.

This past season we were blessed to have both. Everyone keep fit . Ben and Billy will announce new practice times soon ...

Angel City Capture Division Cup with style

Angel City FC capped its winning LA Municipal Soccer League season with some hard-earned silverware last night, capturing the Division Cup with a spirited 5-0 win over a heated FC Perya.

"We got inside their heads," jubilant ACFC midfielder Dan Klein said following the match, a game which saw three Perya players ejected late in the second half.

"Our boys not only outplayed Perya, but kept our cool and maintained the level of class we are known for and displayed all season long," coach Billy Alarcon added.

Angel City started the match back on its heels with FC Perya pressing for a goal from the opening whistle. Previous encounters had always produced very physical play ... but the ACFC defence -- under captain Kirby Adams and keeper Peter Marlenga -- were up for the task, stonewalling all Perya chances at the outset with blocked shots and clean slide tackles.

An overall level of calm and patience paid off for Angel City, who began to work the ball around, creating several counterattacking options which forced Perya's defensive hand. At the 21-minute mark Ben O'Meara struck a free kick outside the box and in the resulting scramble David "Puma" Alarcon slotted the squad's opening goal into the back meshing.

Fourteen minutes later Brandon Cole made a run up field, spliting the Perya defense and knocking a pass over to O'Meara who shot across the face of the goal, past a sprawling Perya keeper and just inside the right post. The second goal seemed to unsettle Perya, who started to get more aggressive with their tackles, even in their own defensive box. ACFC were awarded a penalty kick for one such take down (the team's first PK of the season), but a good save by the Perya keeper kept the score 2-0 at the half.

Early in the second half produced what was to be the turning point for the match, with a handball in the box awarding Perya a penalty kick about 10 minutes in. But keeper Peter Marlenga came up big in the goal, diving to his left and deadening the ball in his gloves to keep his shutout alive. In what can only be described as a Will Ferrell moment, Marlenga -- who was named the final's MVP -- jumped up with a big grin and repeated ... "I got the ball .... look, I got the ball ... here it is ... the ball."

Ben O'Meara then went on a rampage, tearing up the Perya defence at the 59-minute mark and knocking in his second goal past an increasingly irrate Perya keeper. O'Meara's tenth goal on the season handed him the squad's scoring title.

From then on Perya lost its cool with repeated taunts to the referee and heavier tackles. After one foiled breakaway by ACFC's Russ Muratov, the Perya keeper decided to have a go at Muratov. The resulting altercation saw the keeper ejected and Muratov given a yellow card for defending himself. ACFC then went to their side of the field while Perya continued to argue with referees. Two more red cards (one a second yellow) saw the Perya numbers dwindle to eight players on the field.

With the game now in hand, Angel City played a passing match for the remaining 20 minutes. Sheldon Mitchell notched his first goal of the season at the 80-minute mark off a Marius Sandvik pass. And Sandvik capped the cup win ... and the season ... with a knock in goal, following a shot from playing manager Ben Kull, which was juggled by Perya's replacement keeper.

In regular season play, Angel City topped the Div. C tables with 12 wins, one tie and a loss. In the consolation final, scheduled for the 7 PM timeslot, the second-place Blue Eagles defaulted to the fourth place Zig Zag Jaro about three hours before kickoff.

The Angel City FC 11s squad are:

Coach: Billy Alarcon
Manager: Ben Kull
Goal: Pete Marlenga, Dave Styles
Defense: Kirby Adams, Rahoul Ghose, Bryan Moore, Dan Stafford, Leo Wallach, Pete Wasek
Midfield: Dave Alarcon, Tom Bry, Dan Klein, Matthew McCallum, Sheldon Mitchell, Ben O’Meara, Matt Onheiber,
Marius Sandvik, David Woirhaye
Forwards: Brandon Cole, Jonny Ibanez, Russ Muratov, Dan Sapienza
Reserve list: Sergei Baranov (m); Mike Gemballa (m); Ben Kull (m)

FINAL FOUR

1) Angel City FC
2) FC Perya
3) Zig Zag Jaro
4) Blue Eagles

GAME STATS FINALS

Goals: Ben O'Meara (2), David Alarcon, Sheldon Mitchell, Marius Sandvik
Assists: Brandon Cole, Marius Sandvik, Ben "I'm back in the game" Kull
MVP: Peter Marlenga
Shutout: Peter Marlenga
Shots: ACFC (13), FC Perya (6)
Corner KIcks: ACFC (3), FC Perya (4)
Yellow Cards: ACFC (2), FC Perya (3)
Red Cards: ACFC (0), FC Perya (3)

**Thanks to an injured Bryan Moore for keeping stats during the final
***A big shout out to all the ACFC fans who came out to cheer on ACFC to victory