It was a frigid night of firsts for AV ALTA FC as they defeated Ventura County Fusion FC 3-1 Tuesday night in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Fans were bouncing, excited to see AV ALTA in the newly remodeled Lancaster Municipal Stadium. The first goal in club history came from Jerry Desundes, who recorded a brace. AV ALTA’s first US Open Cup saw them win 62% possession and pour on 19 shots, 10 of which were on target.
From the beginning, AV ALTA sought to retain possession through simple and effective passing. After probing the Ventura County defense, a breakthrough came in the 28th minute after physical hold up play by Joaquin Acuna allowed Desundes to find some space and smash the ball in the back of the net.
Ventura County equalized after a long ball was sent to a streaking Buba Fofanah behind AV ALTA’s defense in the 42nd minute. The celebrations were halted before half time when AV ALTA was awarded a penalty in the third minute of stoppage time after a poor tackle from Dorian Drucks. Desundes’ slow approach led to a powerful penalty shot which put AV ALTA up going into half time.
The second half continued to focus on effective passes and putting pressure on the defense. It paid off early in the second half as c dashed towards goal and beat Drucks to make it 3-1.
A penalty was awarded in the 75th minute after Jerry Desundes was taken down in the box. As Desundes stepped to the spot the crowd chanted “Jerry, Jerry” a la the Jerry Springer show. This time, Drucks stretched to save the penalty. ALTA ensured Ventura County had little time on the ball for the rest of the match, earning the club a 3-1 win, the first in club history
After the match, Desundes said the team wanted to give the supporters a good showing after the last match.
“Losing the first match made us work harder as a team. We wanted to give the fans things to cheer for”.