2017 US Open Cup Round 1: FC Golden State Force survive early red card, shut out Outbreak FC

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A 10-man FC Golden State Force managed to maintain its 2-0 lead against a visiting Outbreak FC who attacked in full force for most of the game in search of keeping their Lamar Hunt US Open Cup dreams alive.

This was because Force’s Dominic Oduro, a Ghanaian-born player who was drafted by Seattle Sounders this year, got a red card in the 29th minute for a cleats-up tackle.

Before the violent play, the home side started the game well as Cal Berkeley midfielder Jose Carrera-Garcia sent a pass from the edge of the box to Stanford’s Mark Verso, who just turned from his defender to finish his chance from the top of the six to give a 1-0 to the Force in the 7th minute.

Oduro did make a difference before he was red carded, as he gave an assist to Bruno Lavandoski in the 21st minute. Lavandoski received the pass and dribbled to take a shot to the lower left corner from just outside of the box to double Force’s lead.

“It allows you to play your game,” said Force coach Robert Friedland of his team scoring early in the game. “It settled it. So it was a great feeling.”

So with Oduro’s red card, Force had to change its formation and play more defensively. The Glendora-based team started with a 4-3-2-1 but adjusted to a 4-4-1.

Despite that, Force created several opportunities but were unable to convert.

Outbreak couldn’t take advantage of their outnumbered opponent. The team missed several wide open chances. But Force’s goalkeeper also played a huge role in his team’s shutout.

“Goalkeeper did a great job,” Friedland said. “The defense understood their job. And the rest of the players played very very hard to make up for the imbalance.”

With this victory, Force advanced to the second round of the completion. They are scheduled to host professional side Orange County Soccer Club of the United Soccer League at 7 p.m. on May 17 in Glendora.