SOCCER (M)

9/12/09 - Bran and Atonya Lead Comeback Against Warriors

Roseville, CA- Saturday’s match against William Jessup was the tale of two halves as Men’s Soccer came out sluggish in the first half and then put up four goals in the second half.  Freshman Edgar Bran scored two while Sophomore Franky Atonya put away the game winner in the 4-1 win over the Warriors.

The Royals (4-1-1) earned four corner kicks in the first nine minutes of the game.  However, they only had two shots during the same time frame as it appeared they were just going the motions at times.  Their lethargic play continued until they received a wake-up call in the 32nd minute when the Warriors (1-3) were awarded a penalty kick after Freshman Brady Hansen pulled down a Warrior in the box.  Curtis Griffin converted the kick to give William Jessup the 1-0 lead.

Hope had a few chances but still only managed two more shots before halftime.

After the break the Royals came out fired up and ready to play.  They produced chances again as evident by three more corner kicks.

In the 54th minute, the Royals put all the pieces together and produced the equalizing goal.  Bran dribbled the ball into the box and laid it off for Atonya who returned a one touch pass for Bran to get in and beat the keeper near post.

Almost exactly nine minutes later, the two combined again for a give and go with the roles reversed.  Atonya found Bran just outside the box who redirected the ball into the box and Atonya slid the first touch shot just inside the right post for the eventual game winner.  The goal was Atonya’s first of the year.

Bran scored an insurance goal in the 69th minute after Junior Anthony Magana played a ball for Bran to run onto and Bran did the rest.  Combined with his goal earlier in the game, Bran now has nine goals on the season.

The Royals put the game away when Freshman Matthew Howard played a ball into the box from the left side that found Magana who connected for his third goal of the year.

Along with the win, the Royals were glad to get out of the physical match with no injuries as 46 fouls were called on both teams combined.

The men will stay in Northern California for a match with Dominican on Monday.  Game time is slated for 3:00 pm.

>> Back to Men's Soccer Home Page