Despite promising spells, FC Davis dropped points with a 0-2 defeat to Napa Valley 1839
Saturday evening at UC Davis Dairy Complex. In a game with limited chances, a combination of the Lions’ bad luck and clinical Napa finishing made the difference.
The Golden Lions opened the match full of energy, forcing the visitors into numerous turnovers and slowly building pressure on the Napa backline. However, it was the away side that found a breakthrough, capitalizing on the first clear-cut chance of the game to take an against-the-run- of-play lead in the 30th minute.
Following the Napa goal, the home side posed limited danger until Arron Faran came tantalizingly close to equalizing with a cannon shot off the crossbar on the final kick of the first half.
In stark contrast to the frenetic start to the first half, the opening quarter hour of the second
period was quiet, with neither side looking likely to score. However, the game suddenly sprung to life in the 64th minute when the Golden Lions’ JP Herrera nearly equalized but dragged his shot narrowly wide of the far post. Shortly thereafter, Davis goalie, Eddie Sanchez was called into action, providing a vital reflex save to keep FC Davis in the game.
The second-place team would not be denied for long, however, as the visitors converted a well-worked chance in the 80 th minute, doubling the Lions’ deficit and all but sealing a Napa victory.
The Golden Lions will look to bounce back in their final game of the season against the Las
Vegas Legends next Saturday, June 24, at UC Davis Dairy Complex.
By Dylan Ehlers