It was a tough start to the season for Soccer Saves Lives FC as they fall heavily to a composed and organized LSA Norcross at Meadowcreek Stadium. An SSL FC goal from Ahzam Kasam was not enough for LSA’s five goals from Carlos Orta, Jamex Leon, Martin Morales and a brace from Xavier Diouf.
On a great night for football, LSA Norcross coach, Josué Galdámez, had his squad ready for a dominating performance on their opening day at their home venue.
The early signs were there in the first 10 seconds of the match when LSA managed to get into the SSL penalty area to put the ball into the back of the net, only to be disallowed by an off-side call. But the message was already loudly sounding that LSA would be attacking on the day.
The breakthrough came with a wonderful Golazo from Carlos Orta after 15 minutes on a counter attack when he found space on the right side outside the box to drive in an unstoppable shot from long range. Following came a LSA goal just before the half from Jamex Leon on 41 minutes but followed immediately by SSL’s only goal of the match from Ahzam Kasam on 42 minutes.
But that goal from SSL did not provide the boost needed for them as a minute later, Xavier Diouf put in the first of his 2 goals on the day on 43 minutes. SSL would go into the halftime break with a mountain to climb, down 4-1. Coach Alan Redd had to change strategies for an improved performance in the 2nd half and the play was better for them in that 2nd half.
While LSA did seem to take their foot off the attacking gas pedal, SSL were able to get more into the game. Unfortunately, SSL were not able to build much in the way of the attacking threat against a well organized LSA back line.
While SSL was looking to get back in the game, they had another setback on 66 minutes. LSA’s final goal came from Martin Morales to close out the scoring and confirm the 5-1 scoreline for match week one in the Georgia Premier Division of the UPSL.
Now, Coach Redd will have the task of turning fortunes around for their home opener next Sunday night against visiting Dalton United FC. SSL should also be boosted next week by the return of some more senior players who were unavailable for this match against LSA.
Stay tuned as the Atlantic Soccer Media Group, (ASMG) will bring you all the action, live on the ASMG YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@ASMGtv.
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Referee: Ethan Bruns
Asst. Referee: Marc Amado
Asst. Referee: Luis Mejia Gonzalez
Fourth Official: Christopher Hagerty