A.C. Delivers a Gem of a Performance

The Peace Arch United 97's had been surging lately with only one loss in their last 7 games; a stretch that included wins over the tough SFC Red Devils and SFC Panthers. Similarly, A.C. have been playing well. With the two highest scoring teams matched up for the first time this season, Guildford's thirteen game shutout streak was likely to be threatened.

A.C. was clicking right from the opening kickoff as they strung together several passes that saw them build up quickly and earn a scoring chance inside the first minute. Guildford continued to press by playing some spectacular soccer; passes were spot on, players were composed and everyone was in rhythm. Peace Arch, however, was rock solid defensively. The 97's were under pressure for the majority of the half but wouldn't break down. A.C. was turned back on several occations and denied from in close by valiant defending and fantastic goaltending by the Peace Arch keeper. Score at the half, 0-0.

For the second time in as many weeks A.C. was locked in a scorless draw at the half and would have to find a way to earn a good result. The exception this week was that A.C. was not being defeated by their own play but rather stifled by the tight defending of the Peace Arch squad. Early in the second half Guildford found an extra gear offensively led by the bullheaded and tenacious attacking of their striker who fed in two good crossed that couldn't find their way to the back of the net. Finally, at the ten minute mark of the second half, A.C.'s striker was rewarded for his efforts as he got on the end of a good ball, crossed up the defender to get inside and smash a shot past the 97's keeper from 12 yards out for a 1-0 lead. Shortly after Guildford would extend their lead to 2-0 on a shot that just snuck in low to the post.

Peace Arch fought back, despite the deficit, and nearly cut the lead in half as a cross was nodded over the crossbar. The 97's were able to step a bit more and build forward but never really threatened with anything dangerous. The final blow came with three minutes remaining; an aerial ball was mishandled by Peace Arch's last man and collected by an A.C. attacker who had time to settle and moved in 1v1 with the keeper and popped it top shelf for a 3-0 lead. Inside the last two minutes, Guildford had two opportunites to inflate their lead but missed both and settled for a 3-0 final.

A.C. looked fantastic for the majority of the game. The Peace Arch 97's were extremely difficult to break down but Guildford's relentless posession and pressure finally wore down the opposition. Next week A.C. has two games on the schedule, a league game versus the Surrey United 97 Selects and a cup game against the Whalley Flames. In the Sandra Duncan Cup, Guildford is playing it's first game, with a win they will move on to play the winner between Guildford Dinamo and the SFC Panthers in the Semi-Final. A.C. needs to win both of the weekend games in order to remain on pace to complete the triple crown of winning the League, Conference Cup and SMSA Sandra Duncan Cup.