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Foxes Stymied by San Antonio

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 04/22/18, 11:07PM EDT

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Fresno misses out on chances in 0-0 draw against visiting SAFC


Photo courtesy Kiel Maddox / Fresno FC

FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno FC and San Antonio FC played to a 0-0 draw on Sunday evening at Chukchansi Park as the Foxes were unable to find a way through SAFC’s defense despite carrying much of the game. Fresno almost struck first in the 14th minute when a quick move put Juan Pablo Caffa through on goal, but his finish was cleared off the line by Ryan Roushandel after getting past SAFC goalkeeper Diego Restrepo. Caffa also forced a save from Restrepo with a chipped finish in the 28th minute, while Pedro Ribeiro fired just wide on a half-volley 10 minutes later and Alberto Navarro powered a header that justr missed the target moments before the break. San Antonio’s first good effort on goal arrived soon after halftime as Sonny Guadarrama fired on target from 20 yards, while Cesar Elizondo bounced a header over the crossbar after good work on the left by Jose Escalante in the 63rd minute. Fresno’s Caffa forced a good save by Restrepo moments later, with the Argentine’s header pegged for the left corner, while Mickey Daly also went close for the Foxes with 13 minutes to go. San Antonio was reduced to 10 men with two minutes remaining as Kris Tyrpak was sent off, but Fresno was unable to take advantage in the dying moments as the game ended scoreless.

Scoring:
None

Three Things That Matter:

  • 1. Fresno extended its undefeated streak to six games, but after Wednesday night’s late letdown against Tulsa Roughnecks FC the Foxes will be disappointed they weren’t able to capitalize on their chances after holding the upper hand for most of the game. While SAFC goalkeeper Diego Restrepo made some notable saves to keep out the hosts, there were some chances – notably Alberto Navarro’s header late in the first half that saw Restrepo caught in no-man’s land – that the Foxes should have made more of.

  • 2. San Antonio will come away from the game happy to have earned another point, but still looking a long way off the side that was expected to be a contender in the Western Conference this season. SAFC didn’t muster a shot on goal in the first half and finished with only two long-range efforts overall that didn’t really test Foxes goalkeeper Kyle Reynish. With one win in six games to start the season, the road is starting to look a little steeper for Head Coach Darren Powell’s side.

  • 3. The Foxes had a clear plan of looking to work down the left side, and the combination of Jemal Johnson and Alex Cooper working together along with Juan Pablo Caffa as he drifted away from his central position seemed the most likely area the hosts were going to find the decisive move they sought. Johnson finished with four key passes on the night as he put in a solid shift, while Caffa again put in display that showed some steel in addition to his fine touch. Fresno will head on the road next to take on Phoenix in the knowledge that they’re becoming a tough side to break down, and if the side can start finding the net consistently it will be a serious playoff contender.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Diego Restrepo, San Antonio FC – Restrepo finished with six saves on the night, and while there were a couple of nervous moments for the visitors, their veteran goalkeeper came up with big saves when they needed them most. 

Upcoming Games:

Fresno FC at Phoenix Rising FC – April 28, 10 p.m. ET, Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex

San Antonio FC at Las Vegas Lights FC – April 27, 11 p.m. ET, Cashman Field

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