Rebels SC fall to Murrieta Surf
10.05.2021
May 8, 2021
Rebels suffered their first defeat of the Spring 2019 season after allowing a late goal to ten-
man Murrieta Surf at Galway Downs on Saturday night.
A tight game in which each team had the better of one half eventually went Murrieta’s way
when a low cross from Rebels’ left side found the outstretched foot of an attacker running into
the box.
MURRIETA EARLY DOMINANCE
Unlike the previous three games this season, Rebels found themselves pushed deep in their
own half with difficulty regaining possession for extended periods of time. Surf moved the ball
confidently although much of the possession was circulating the ball around the backline
without finding opportunities to penetrate.
Some dangerous opportunities were created when Murrieta was able to find their right back in
space. The opportunity to overload the Rebels’ full-back or open space into the striker allowed
them to create some shots or otherwise exert pressure on the Rebel’s backline. The keeper
and backs were up to the challenge however, winning tackles and dealing with the threats very
well. Surf’s best opportunity of the half resulted from a rare mistake by center back Edwing
Zambrano who was caught holding the ball for too long. The Surf striker tackled the ball away
and was in on goal from about thirty-five yards, but center back Carlos Calderon recovered well
to tackle the ball away and clear the danger.
SECOND HALF ADJUSTMENTS
Veteran attacker Pablo Vazquez entered the game after the half-time interval and immediately
helped the Blue & White to create more danger than in the first half. His well measured through
ball into the path of Arturo Hoyos’ run led to a good cross that nearly resulted in a goal.
Another chance was created when an excellent turn allowed Vazquez to play a ball into space
for Marco Gutierrez, but quick reactions from the Murrieta goalkeeper prevented a clean shot
on goal.
MURRIETA DOWN TO TEN
With Rebels having established a stronger hold on the second half, they still found stiff
resistance in the last thirty yards of the field. Murrieta held strong, defending attacks and
protecting the box well. The game would seemingly turn strongly in Rebels’ favor when the
Murrieta striker was sent off for a second cautionable offense, leaving them with ten players for
the remainder of the game.
SURPRISE ENDING
The Blue & White pushed forward, seeking the game-winner with the man advantage. Time and
again Murrieta did well to recover defensively and protect the center of the field, making it
difficult for Rebels to generate clear opportunities. As well, Surf did not give up hope of finding
their own winner, counter-attacking at speed with the few players who could get ahead of the
ball when they won it back. Disaster would strike for Rebels with less than five minutes remaining in regulation as one of the Murrieta counters would allow a player to get a 1v1 situation in the final third. Despite a defender being step for step, the Surf player found a yard of space to play an excellent low
cross hard into the area near the first post where there was one player making a run. This
player as well was closely defended but perfect timing allowed him to meet the ball with an
outstretched leg to hammer home past goalkeeper Saul Hernandez.
REBELS DROP TO SECOND
The defeat left Rebels in second place, equal on points with White Tigers, going into week 5 of
the season. Escondido Mayas’ 1-0 victory over San Diego Internacional leaves them in sole
possession of first place with a perfect 4-0-0 record. The Blue & White return to action on
Sunday evening at Mount Miguel High School versus UPSL newcomers United City who
currently sit in fourth but with a game in hand over the teams ahead of them in the standings.
Source: Rebels SC Staff
