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)