CAL UNITED STRIKERS FC WINS THE 2021 SOUTHWEST INDEPENDENT CUP

Gonzalo Salguero's goal sees us lift the trophy in front of a packed crowd at Championship Soccer Stadium.
 

Watch full game here.

 

IRVINE, CA – Cal United Strikers FC win the 2021 Southwest Independent Cup with help from Gonzalo's Salguero goal from distance.

 

Cal United Strikers came into this game needing to not lose by more than 2 goals to confirm the championship.

 

Championship Soccer Stadium was nearly packed with Fan Appreciation Day allowing local soccer players a fun day to watch professional soccer at home for free.

 

Coach Don Ebert changed his shape from his typical at 4-3-3 to a 3 in the back for this game, with top goalscorer Christian Thierjung moved into a central forward position next to Tony Lopez.

 

The results nearly paid off in the beginning of the game as Thierjung found the ball in the net, but was judged to be offside.

 

An early corner saw defender Aydan Bowers put his header just wide.

 

This would be a theme for the game as Minjae, Tony, and Christian all had multiple chances go just wide of the net in the first half.

 

There was some heroic defending, led by goalkeeper Steven "The Bear" Barrera, that saw FC Arizona chances be snuffed out in our box.

 

Aydan put in an early block from the FC Arizona forwards, while Duncan Capriotti had a goal saving block, as well, on the goal line.

 

The first half ended on a sour note as a hard foul on Billy Garton Jr. saw him taken off for Omar Nuno.

 

 

Fuerte signing autographs for Fan Appreciation Day (left); Kwak bringing the ball under control (right).

 

 

Coach Don Ebert rang the changes at halftime to get more fitness for the players on the even of our Fall 2021 season. Gonzalo Salguero, Alejandro "Chile" Araneda, and captain Xavier Fuerte all came on the field.

 

The second half saw Cal United Strikers pick up right where they started, with Minjae Kwak's shot in the 46th minute being saved.

 

The breakthrough came in the 58th minute when a great switch of play found Gonzalo Salguero on the edge of the FC Arizona box. His shot squirmed underneath the FC Arizona keeper.

 

This only kicked on a desire to grab more goals for Cal United Strikers, with Minjae Kwak, in particular, looking very threatening for the rest of the game.

 

Our next home game is against Detroit City FC on August 14th at 7 PM. You can buy tickets HERE.

 

Fans can stay up-to-date on all club news through calunitedstrikers.com or by following the club on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.