Flames Make Playoff Push

ANAHEIM- The Bethesda Men's Soccer Team is looking to make a push for the playoffs as they are now 5-7 with their last win against Sierra Nevada (5-1). Lucas Freitas scored 2 goals in the victory over Sierra Nevada College. Felipe Assis started the game with a quick goal at the 4:43 mark. Eriel Almada also found the back of the net with an assist from Felipe Assis. Sierra Nevada answered back with a goal of their own to end the first half with a score of 2-1. Sierra Nevada made a mistake and scored against themselves early in the 2nd half. Victor Lima assisted Lucas Freitas with a quick goal 30 seconds after their previous goal to push the lead to 4-1. Lucas Freitas scored his second goal at the 86:52 mark to finish the game at 5-1. Freitas and Assis were standouts in this lopsided victory for the Flames. ( Box-score)

The Flames are currently 2 games back from being .500 and qualifying for the playoffs. However, the Flames are going up against the Westcliff University Warriors whom they faced in the first match of the season. The Flames were defeated 2-1 as the Warriors were rewarded a penalty shot at the 75-minute mark to give the Warriors the go-ahead goal and eventually the game-winning goal. In this tough loss, the Flames outshot their opponents 14-8, had more corner kicks at 5-2, and less fouls at 6-7. The Warriors had 2 yellow cards and a red card in the first half, yet, the Flames could not capitalize on their advantage. 

This rematch is going to be a tough game for the Flames but a necessary win if the Flames want to make it into the playoffs. The Flames are currently ranked 12th in the nation and were once ranked 8th. However, a couple of tough losses pushed the Flames out of the NCCAA Top 10. Bethesda Assistant Coach, Diogo Pereira, believes that the Flames have what it takes to defeat the Warriors but they'll have to play their best against this tough opponent.

Their home game against Westcliff University will be on October 12 at Century Park in Santa Ana, Ca. The Flames final game will be at St. Katherine on October 23.