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)
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Sounds like a tough lose in a close race. Keep in good spirits guys and we'll make the playoffs. See you out there soon!
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