Diablo FC 95 boys dominate but come up short in score vs. #2 team in USA
Milan FC edges club team 1-0 for NorCal Premier title

Posted: 7/20/2009 
Updated: 7/27/2009

July 20, 2009

Diablo FC 95 dominated its opponent, Milan FC, from the opening whistle of the NorCal Premier Spring League Championship game yesterday at Ygnacio Valley High School. Coach John Badger’s U13 boys kept the ball in Hilmar’s end of the field for most of the first 10 minutes of the game, controlling the midfield and exhibiting an outstanding passing game. They had a number of good scoring opportunities, but unfortunately were unable to convert on any of them. Hilmar took advantage of one of Diablo FC’s few defensive lapses, got behind the defense and scored before the end of the half.

The second half resulted in continued dominance by Diablo FC 95 and numerous shots on goal. The home team appeared jinxed by some mysterious force, for despite controlling the midfield, winning time of possession and getting off many shots on goal, were unable to find the back of the net. Thus Diablo FC 95 fell to Milan FC Hilmar 1-0.

Milan FC has been ranked #1 in the USA for much of 2009 before recently being supplanted by West Coast FC, winners of the Far West Regionals. Milan, West Coast and Diablo FC will all be in next weekend’s Surf Cup in San Diego. Also on hand will be Santa Clara Sporting, which defeated Diablo FC 1-0 in the CYSA State Cup finals in May. Santa Clara reached the Regional finals but lost to West Coast.

Diablo FC 95 nonetheless has much to be proud of this season in NorCal Premier. They faced many of the best teams in Northern California and ended up with the most points of the 24 teams in the league, as well as the best point differential (+22). Diablo FC 95 only gave up 3 goals in 10 games. 

Regardless of the defeat, the team can be proud of the way they dominated a team that they have had problems with in the past. According to team manager Mark Brauer, "This was by far the best game we’ve played against Hilmar."