Sol improvises with intrasquad scrimmage
FC Grande got in auto accident
The Albuquerque Sol from the Premier Development League and newly formed United Premier Soccer League club FC Grande from Las Cruces were supposed to initiate an in-state rivalry on Sunday afternoon at St. Pius X High School.
Unfortunately, an FC Grande team van was involved in an accident near Socorro on Saturday night hours after the club defeated Southwest FC 4-3 in its inaugural match, so the Sol elected to play a full-sided intrasquad scrimmage.
Fortunately, the team reported in a tweet to the Sol that it was okay and suffered “just a few cuts and bruises.” The Sol is interested in trying to reschedule the match.
“We’re completely supportive of them as an organization and sorry they have to deal with such unforeseen circumstances,” Sol general manager Larry Espinoza said. “We will try to help them in any way that we can. FC Grande continues to build the soccer base in New Mexico, which is what we want.”
The intent of Sunday’s scrimmage was to field balanced sides playing different formations. Sol Black opened in a 4-4-2 alignment while Sol Gray went 4-2-3-1. Sol Coach Justin Sells said he expects most PDL divisional opponents to set up in the 4-2-3-1, meaning two defensive midfielders sit behind a three-man midfield with a lone striker up front.
Sells himself prefers an aggressive 4-4-2 arrangement with a flat midfield supporting two forwards. He’ll have an enticing pairing in ex-Lobo Luke Lawrence as the big target forward and letting Isaiah Madrid run off him.
“Those guys are more experienced, they’ve played in some bigger games,” Sells said. “Any good team is flexible adjusting to different formations.”
After a goalless opening half, a few players switched sides — including Madrid who joined Lawrence on Sol Black. Along with creative midfielder, former Lobo Josh Goss, and Sol defensive midfield metronome Pat Pacheco, the club has the spine of a dangerous quartet.
Those four combined to open the scoring as Pacheco ignited a counterattack in the 66th minute, finding Goss in the midfield. Goss darted forward, patiently slipping a ball to Madrid who unselfishly crossed to the oncoming Lawrence for the tap-in.
“It’s not like going to a new team having to fit in and know each other’s personalities and attributes,” Pacheco said. “It makes thing a lot easier, we’ve all had experience in New Mexico and want to represent New Mexico as best we can.”
Madrid doubled Sol Black’s lead moments leader catching goalkeeper, La Cueva High’s Anthony Muñoz, off his line. Madrid’s rocket from 20 yards inside his own half rode the wind past the stranded Muñoz.
“It’s a competitive group and everyone can really play,” Madrid said.
Sol Gray closed the scoring in the 73rd on Luis Loera’s penalty kick.
Before the PDL season starts on May 12, Sells and his staff will look to solidify a core of 18-22 players who will travel to road games. The Sol also will be welcoming 10 to 12 college players including five Lobos. UNM’s Parker Ford is expected to be the firstchoice goalkeeper.