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