Forward Michael Salazar led The Los Angeles Force soccer team as they defeated Capo FC from San Juan Capistrano 2-0 with his fifth total goal of the season at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
The Force came out hot kicking the first few shots of the game adding a ton of pressure around the box.
Multiple yellow cards were called against the Force with aggressive tackles being called within the 30th minute of the game.
As the first half winded down, Salazar broke the defense making him the lone man on a breakaway as he scored the first goal of the game in the 42nd minute giving Force the 1-0 lead going into halftime.
“Michael is our leader. A lot of guys look up to him for his experience, and we knew what we could do with his quality,” head coach Dekel Keinan said.
Forward Michael Salazar Jr. (9) takes the shot and gets the first goal and lead of the game for the L.A. Force. Salazar Jr. scored his fifth goal of the season making him the leading scorer for the team. (Ian Salazar)
The second half started with the Force gaining multiple possessions, playing passively as to not give up their one goal lead.
The physicality continued though as they would concede multiple fouls and free kicks to Capo FC within the first 20 minutes of the half.
Within the roar of the crowd, many Force players weren’t happy with some of the calls being made by the referees causing some conversation.
A second yellow card which translated into a red card was given to No. 80 Ivan Hernandez during the 85th minute.
Alex Juarez puts the game sealing goal in for the Force during the 89th minute as he scored his first of the season.
“They sent a long ball, I knew he would do his best for someone to run under him so I trusted him and executed the play perfectly,” Juarez said on how that possession unfolded.
The win put Force at the top of their group with 19 points topping Irvine Zeta FC for the time being.
The L.A. Force have called Veterans Memorial Stadium their home for the 2024 season after building a foundation in Pasadena.
Midfielder Ronaldo Pineda clears a kick across the field to his teammates. The L.A. Force secured victory against Capo FC during regular season play on Saturday for the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) to top the group standings. (Ian Salazar)
“The fans are out and they get bigger and bigger every game. We want to do our best to give back to the community,” captain Michael Salazar said on playing at the stadium.
The Force is set to play at home against Irvine Zeta FC in their next game at Veterans Memorial Stadium on July 20.