SoCal SC Prepares for Third Match

SAN BERNARDINO>> The Southern California Sports Club dominated the second half of its National Premier Soccer League home opener recently, but could not avoid being defeated 2-1 by Deportivo Coras at the Fairplex. The team made some mistakes in the first half and tried to recover in the second part of the game, but finished one goal short of grabbing one point from the Conference leaders. According to midfielder Andy Contreras, SoCal SC lacked consistency and accuracy in front of the goal. “Our first half was a bit uncontrolled on the style we were playing due to the fact that we do not play a lot of long ball. I think we dominated most of the second half keeping possession and making the opponent run. We have to improve on being a bigger threat on the final third of the field and on scoring on our opportunities," commented SoCal SC’s number 10 player. Contreras was the only player who managed to find the back of the net as he scored SoCal SC’s lone goal -- a beautiful free kick shot. The Santa Maria native was the first player to beat Deportivo Coras’ goalkeeper Alonso Lara after three games on the NPSL season. “Free kicks are something I practice every single day. Luckily it went in. I am happy; it is my first goal of the season but also upset because it was not enough to get us the result we desired as a whole,” Contreras added. At 26, the midfielder is the oldest player on SoCal SC’s young roster and works as one of the leaders of the squad. Having played before in Morocco and in other leagues within the United States, Contreras is constantly spotted advising the younger players on training sessions and games. “It’s a good feeling. It is a lot of pressure, definitely, but not too hard to deal with. I definitely try my best to give the best advice to the younger players. I try to be a good example and give it my best every training session and game, because my goal is to be a good role model for these guys. I'm always there when they need me for advice or in whatever it is they need,” the midfielder concluded.