ACFC takes 7s title in style

S M A S L

ACFC captured the Setanta Division in style, ending the SMASL Spring Season with eight wins and two losses after a 5-3 win over Westside Proper.

The squad had already sealed the Cup win last week, but battled back from an early Westside goal with Brandon Cole earning a hat trick and Michael Sharp and Marc Salomon adding singles.

Things did not go as well for the AC Allstars later that day despite a valiant effort against That's What She Said, a team the Allstars had beaten 3-1 earlier in the season.

Needing a win for a chance at the Santiago title (with three teams tied for first and a fourth one point off the lead going into the final week), the Allstars dropped two unfortunate goals on defensive errors early in the game and found themselves on their heels. Russ Muratov got one back with a header off a perfect cross from David Woirhaye, and added a second to tie the game. But the home side conceded a third on the counterattack while battling for the necessary winner and ran out of time.

If the Allstars had won, they also need Busbys SC to tie or lose their match against Coffee Bean ... Coffee Bean did win, 4-3, making the loss to TWSS -- the eventual title winners -- harder to take. The Allstars finished tied for third with Busbys with an identical record of five wins, three losses and two ties.

As to the ACFC Golden boot ... that went to James Green, despite his absence on the final day of the season. Green recorded 32 goals, while Brandon "the first half sensation" Cole rallied for 19 on the season, followed by Ivan Reyes with 11.

Final Goal Standings

James Green 32
Brandon Cole 19
Ivan Reyes 11
Russ Muratov 9
Dan Klein 8
Marc Salomon 6
Matt Onheiber 5
Sammy Xaylitdet 5
David Woirhaye 4
Andres Rodriguez 4
Angel 3
Rahoul Ghose 3
Marius 3
Ian Worrel 3
Luis Deveze 2
Michael Gemballa 2
John Paul Meyer 1
Pete Marlenga 1
Bryan Moore 1
Jonny Ibanez 1

... now on to the Angel City Soccer League which kicks off at Playa Vista for a fourth season April 23. Angel City has three teams entered.