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Sanjaxx Lions 1 - ANB Futbol 2

By lo admin, 09/13/15, 1:00PM EDT

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Sanjaxx Lions 1 - ANB Futbol 2

Sun Sep 13 
Written By: Staff, League1
 

Kristina Nalbandian (4') got ANB off to an early lead, before Sanjaxx Lions equalized through Morgan Headrick (75') and set up quite the finale. However, it would be ANB's Kelsey Araujo (79') to quell any hopes for the home side, putting away a winner for the visitors within five minutes of the restart.

"Kelsey Araujo was a constant offensive threat throughout the game, making runs, dribbling at defenders and taking shots at net," said ANB head coach, Marcelo Almeida. "Her persistence paid off with a very nice finish to add to her goal-scoring tally."

"The key moment for us was definitely scoring the second and winning goal from Kelsey Araujo close to the end of the game," he added. "The goal sealed the victory and confirmed the possession dominance throughout the game by ANB."

"The goal came from a great build-up play from the mid-field, the penetrating ball splitting defenders for Kelsey to go one on one with the GK."

ANB: KELSEY ARAUJO

ANB had something of a hill to climb in this fixture, as a massive 11-0 loss to Woodbridge Strikers the week before would have presented some mental difficulties for the squad.

"Challenge going into the game was regrouping from a double-digit defeat last week," confirmed Almeida.

"Confidence needed to be high among the ANB players and they knew they had the opportunity to obtain full points from the game. We anticipate the players will continue to work hard in the last weeks of the season to finish strong against tough competition."

ANB: KRISTINA NALBANDIAN

With Headrick's late goal, Sanjaxx head coach Laza Lowe felt his side had a comeback in them, and the Lions proved were determined to prove it. 

"The key moment for us was around the 85th minute when we had another goal in the net, which the official appeared to give by pointing to the centre, but quickly changed the call to a ANB free kick," revealed Lowe. 

"We have young players learing how to play at this level and even though this certainly is a heartbreaking loss, we will look at everything with positive frame of mind and keep working at it," he added.

Almeida pointed to the quality in the Lions, and singled out the work of midfielder Julia Wong for special mention.

"A lot of balls were played through her, and she won many one on one battles in the middle of the field," he said.

SL: JULIA WONG

"For us, we will continue to work on defensive shape and building up the play through the mid-field with quick passes," concluded Almeida. "The team is positive about the final weeks of the season."

Sanjaxx Lions plays away to league leaders Durham United F.C. on Friday September 18 at Kinsmen Park, Pickering - 8 p.m. kickoff. 

Fifth place ANB also plays away in matchweek 17, this time heading to Hershey Centre, Mississauga, on Saturday September 19 to meet fourth place North Mississauga Panthers - 4 p.m. kickoff.