By Hector Trujillo
LAS VEGAS, NV.- Chula Vista FC was crowned champion of the Southwest Premier League (SWPL) on Saturday, August 29, at Mater Academy East in Las Vegas after defeating Sin City FC 3-1 in the final.
Chula Vista nearly took the lead in the ninth minute when a shot from outside the box hit the crossbar and appeared to cross the goal line, but the referee allowed play to continue, resulting in possession for Sin City.
CAPITALIZED PASS
The first goal came in the 35th minute on a corner kick that Sin City defender Colin Coleman headed into the back of the net after a deflection off a Chula Vista player’s leg.
The home team held a narrow lead going into halftime, but Chula Vista FC then began to dominate the game and equalized in the 69th minute when forward Derek Serna capitalized on a great pass from teammate Jorge Navarro, firing a right-footed shot past the Sin City goalkeeper.
HOW THE SECOND AND THIRD GOALS WERE SCORED
The San Diego Super League champions took the lead in the 80th minute when Navarro, despite losing his balance, managed to tap the ball into the net after an excellent assist from Maximiliano Pope.
The third goal came in the 87th minute when Pope scored a stunning right-footed strike from outside the box to seal the victory.
“We never gave up, and I’m very proud of the effort we put in, not only in this game but throughout the entire season,” said Chula Vista FC head coach Hector Diaz.
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE
The team finished with nine players after Sergio Zamudio was sent off in the 89th minute and Icker Martinez in the 99th minute, with both players receiving their second yellow cards.
Chula Vista FC goalkeeper Carlos Arce-Hurtado had another outstanding performance, making several saves against Sin City FC, which secured its place in the championship game after defeating Legends SC 5-4.
Chula Vista FC has already qualified for the second round of the U.S. Open Cup qualifiers, which will be held in October, after earning a bye in the first round in September.