Rebels SC defeat SD White Tigers 3-0
05.05.2021
Rebels earned a historic first victory over Fall 2019 division champions White Tigers on
Saturday night at Mount Miguel High School. The Blue & White keep their perfect record intact
and move into a tie for first place in the UPSL Premier SoCal South with Escondido Mayas.
The 3-0 scoreline was representative of a game in which Rebels played very well from the
opening whistle. David Achaerandio powered home two goals in the first half before
completing his hat trick with a deft lob over the keeper early in the second half.
EARLY GOAL
Starting on the front foot, Rebels kept possession in White Tigers’ half, constantly threatening
with quick midfield interplay and runs in behind the defense. The defensive pressure also
caused White Tigers some difficulty in getting up the field. The opening goal came in the 19th
minute as a back pass to the White Tigers’ keeper was chased down by striker Marco
Gutierrez, who deflected the keeper’s clearance to David Achaerandio. Collecting the ball
twenty-five yards from goal, Achaerandio held off a challenge to blast a shot beyond the
keeper at the near post.
ACHAERANDIO STRIKES AGAIN
With the pattern of the game continuing as before - sequences of Rebels building attacks and
fending off fast counters from White Tigers - the Blue & White would take a big step forward
with a second goal n the 39th minute. An errant pass between the White Tigers’ center backs
was picked up by Achaerandio who accelerated into the box and punched home a hard shot
that left the keeper with no time to react. The two goal cushion would hold until the half time
whistle.
HAT TRICK HERO
With an intense second half expected between two strong teams, Achaerandio would put the
game away in the 47th minute. Gutierrez played a forward pass back to captain Arturo Hoyos
whose first time pass caught the White Tigers center backs high up the field. Achaerandio
raced in behind the defense and got on the end of the pass as the keeper came all the way to
the edge of the box to try and block the angle. The keeper’s effort was in vain however, as
Achaerandio calmly lobbed the bouncing ball into the back of the net.
REBELS REMAIN PERFECT
Despite some opportunities for both teams occurring in the second half, the result was never in
doubt after the third goal. The game was also notable for several players stepping into the
starting lineup for the first time this season. Goalkeeper Saul Hernandez kept a clean sheet in
his season debut with several confident saves. Julio Arreola and Vincent Acevedo marshaled
the back line and were a big factor in limiting the threat of the White Tigers attackers. Carlos
Sanchez and Alex Acevedo also made their first starts of the season and were key in protecting
the right flank.
After losing to White Tigers in all four previous encounters (including an extra time loss in the
Fall 2019 divisional playoffs), this first victory was one to savor for Rebels. The win saw Rebels
move into a tie for first place with Escondido Mayas who were 3-1 winners over Nomads on
Saturday. White Tigers move into third, three points behind the leaders, after three games.
Rebels return to action Saturday May 8 away at Murrieta Surf.
Source: Rebels SC Staff
