The match in Concord was a fundraiser for the Mount Diablo Soccer League Scholarship Fund, and a large enthusiastic crowd showed up to enjoy a 1-0 victory by the Seals over the Los Angeles Storm.

 

This match was important to both teams, but for very different reasons.  The LA Storm needed the three points to stay in the hunt for a playoff berth.  The Seals, who have played some great soccer, but have struggled to find the net, wanted this game to prove to themselves that they have what it takes to compete among the league leaders.

 

"This team is one of the most cohesive teams I've ever been around," said Seals Head Coach Paul Aigbogun.  "They get along great, show up for practice and work hard with each other, and like to hang out with each other after the matches."

Added Tom Simpson, Assistant Coach and General Manager for the Seals: "In all the years I've coached, and among all the really good Seals teams I've coached, this team generates among the most emotional feelings that I've had for a team.  These guys are genuinely great guys, and their record does not speak to how well they've played.  They really don't deserve the record they've got right now."

 

The Seals placed heavy pressure on the Storm defense early, as the Seals attacked the goal from both sides of the net, and straight down the center.  The Storm defense did a good job clearing balls, shielding the attackers, and not yielding.  The Seals defense kept coming up big as well, and Seals Keeper Eric Conner had another all star game as he made several key saves to hold off a strong counter surge by the Storm as the half progressed through the latter stages.

 

But the Seals found the net fourteen minutes into the second half, as Alex Peterlin took a free kick at the 24 yard mark, and curled the kick through the collapsing wall, and into the near side of the net.

 

A late surge by the Storm required keeper Eric Conner to make two more critical and outstanding saves, and as the referee blew the game at three minutes into extra time, the Seals and some 400 fans celebrated the win.

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