AC Juniors win back-to-back Volt League titles
(image via Aldo Canale)
After 90 regular season matches and 4 postseason matches, it all led to this: the Volt League Season 5 Final. AC Juniors versus MAFC, MAFC versus AC Juniors.
On one side, you had the defending champions, AC Juniors, who entered the postseason with a record of 13 wins, 1 draw, and 5 losses. With talented players proudly embodying the "Futbol de Barrio" mindset, they aimed to give their all, even while missing a key piece in their starting XI, their number 10, Alan Cruz. The Reds took to the field with a strong lineup: Gomez in goal, who would later become the hero of the night in a decisive penalty shootout. In defense, F. Lazo, fresh from a state championship with Seven Lakes High School, L. Torres, the captain, D. Lazo beside him, and Tony Castro on the right. The midfield consisted of S. Bryan, E. Regules, and Eduardo R. To lead the attack, the Reds deployed a potent trio: Geo Castañeda, the Guatemalan youth international, the fleet-footed Carlos Sevilla, and Daniel “DaniGol” Castro. In case of injuries or the need for fresh legs, they had B. Mendez, J. Mendez, J. Montoya, R. Barriga, J. Morales, F. Montoya, and K. Regules on the bench.
Looking to seize this opportunity for back-to-back championships were the Lions of MAFC. Coached by the Uruguayan Carlos Villarreal, they prided themselves on remaining composed under pressure and displaying top-quality soccer on the pitch. MAFC finished the regular season with 15 wins and 3 losses, securing the number 1 seed, scoring the most goals (102) and conceding the fewest (25). Their path to the final wasn’t easy, marked by a 3-3 tie against Ghosttown Saints, and then clinching victory from the penalty spot. Now, facing a formidable AC Juniors side, the first team to defeat them in the regular season, MAFC was determined to reclaim their momentum.
MAFC took the field with S. Rodriguez in goal, a blend of experience and youth in their center backs with R. Blanco and T. Rodgers, L. Gallo on the right, and J. Gutierrez on the left. The midfield featured H. Sanchez, the seasoned captain B. Baich, and the talented A. Cunemo. Completing the starting lineup were V. Castillo, the versatile J. Velazquez, and the reliable L. Cunemo. Waiting on the bench to contribute were J. Silvestre, B. Gastaldi, A. Peña, D. Hernandez, J. Andrade, F. Sampaolesi, and G. Arango.
The game began with a swift move by AC Juniors. In the 3rd minute, Dani Castro embarked on a solo run down the right flank, maneuvering past two defenders before delivering a precise pass to Geo Castañeda, who controlled the ball with one touch and slotted it past the goalkeeper, giving AC Juniors an early lead. Determined to extend their advantage, "DaniGOL" doubled the lead with a well-placed shot from outside the box, assisted by Tony Castro. Although a two-goal lead might have seemed comfortable for some, with over 70 minutes remaining and the talent of MAFC, the match was far from decided. MAFC utilized the flanks to pressure AC Juniors' defense and managed to narrow the deficit when Luis Cunemo capitalized on a rebound to score.
Despite numerous opportunities for both teams, the game took a turn in MAFC's favor early in the second half when Blanco received his second yellow card, resulting in a red card and leaving MAFC with 10 men for most of the half. This forced Baich to adopt a more defensive role, shifting the attacking burden to the rest of the team.
MAFC fought valiantly, and their efforts culminated in a dramatic equalizer in the dying seconds of the match, courtesy of Peña's curled shot into the far corner of the net. With regulation time ending in a deadlock, the stage was set for a penalty shootout to determine the new champion of the Volt League.
Gomez and Arango took their places, poised to deny their opponents. The shootout unfolded as follows:
MAFC: Baich - GOAL! 1-0
AC Juniors: Tony - GOAL! 1-1
MAFC: Peña - GOAL! 2-1
AC Juniors: Regules - GOAL! 2-2
MAFC: Hernandez - MISS (over the crossbar)! 2-2
AC Juniors: Dani Castro - GOAL! 2-3 (nearly saved by Arango)
MAFC: A. Cunemo - GOAL! 3-3
AC Juniors: Torres - MISS (saved by Arango)! 3-3
MAFC: Andrade - MISS (saved by Gomez)! 3-3
AC Juniors: Lazo - GOAL! 4-3
(image via Aldo Canale)
AC Juniors emerged victorious, securing back-to-back championships. As they would say, "Futbol de Barrio" once again prevailed, adding another chapter to the history books of the Volt League. A special acknowledgment to Captain Louie Torres for fostering a competitive team and to every team in the league for their dedication and passion on the pitch. Season 6 is on the horizon, so stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to join the project. Remember, it's "More Than Football."
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