Sequoia FC vs. Las Vegas Knights 
Sequoia FC Drops Season Opener in Vegas
Sequoia FC can't overcome their early deficit and fall in Las Vegas 6-3 Sequoia FC lost 6-3 against Las Vegas Knights Saturday night in their opening game of the PASL Men’s Premier Season. Like their exhibition game on Friday against La Cabana, Sequoia had several chances to score but didn’t finish those opportunities.
“We need to work more on finishing,” said Sequoia coach Miguel Baez. “We are creating the opportunities but we are not taking advantage of those chances.”
Vegas scored its first two goals of the night during the first quarter. After that Sequoia scored the first goal of the game after Arturo Jauregui hit the wall with a cross and a Vegas player scored an own goal.
Both teams played more aggressive in the second quarter, but it was Vegas who took advantage of their opportunities and scored their third goal.
The Knights took a 3-2 lead into halftime.
“We still have a lot to learn about this game. The transition from attacking to defending needs to be quicker in this game and we are not doing it as we should,” Baez said. “By not doing that, we are giving the other team a lot of chances to score,” Baez added.
The Sequoia coach also said the team needs to learn to be more patient and smarter during the game. “Soccer is a game of patience, it’s about waiting for the right opportunity to attack. We need to use the walls more for our benefit and be ready at all times to keep the other team from scoring when they use the walls, especially in set plays,” he said.
During the first minute of the fourth quarter, Sequoia had a couple of chances to score but Vegas’ goalie saved two attempts by Jose Barragan and Omar Trelles. Sequoia kept pressuring and Barragan gained the ball in the midfield and with the keeper out, he took the shot and scored to get within one goal at 4-3. Again Sequoia gained the momentum but a couple of mistakes on the back gave Vegas the chance for two more goals to put the final score at 6-3 in favor of the home team.
“We are fortunate to have two good goalies, Saturday night Miguel Beltran did an excellent job,” Baez added.
“This sport has excitement from the first minute to the last; it is a fast-paced, action-packed game,” stated Rene Hernandez, McDermont Sports Manager added. “If you’re a soccer player or fan, you will enjoy this league.”
Sequoia FC returns home to battle their hometown rival V.C. United in the inaugural Superclasico May 30 at 7:00 p.m. at McDermont Field House.
