12/16 Esperanza Vs. Valencia                                                                                                                                            

The Aztecs hosted Valencia in a game evenly matched.  Early into the period Valencia’s fast forwards nearly scored on a strong strike 20 yards out uncontested. Valencia kept the pressure and shortly after again nearly scored on a corner kick.  The Aztecs put together a few scoring drives with TJ taking a hard strike to the goal and Michael Doyen taking a shot at goal. Valencia seemed to have advantage in the 1^st period with lots of ball movement and passing out to the outside midfielders. The period ended 0-0.          

The 2^nd period favored the Aztecs with tactical passing from Borst and superb ball control and runs from Wolfrom.  At 6 minutes into the period Borst and Jeff Price combined on a batted ball in front of the net and a put back from Price for the 1^st Aztec score. Michael Doyen and Ryan Born added offensive energy and kept balls in the offensive ends of the field. Jeremy Stith received balls down the line and passed back to the midfield on near scoring attempts. With 9 minutes remaining Jerrod Stith sent a ball far into the Aztec side with Jeff Price dribbling around defenders and then passing to Jeremy Stith who worked the ball to the front of the net and hit a shot for a goal. Valencia continued desperate play but were not able to penetrate the defense line of TJ, Carter and Pellegrini.  The game ended with an Esperanza victory 2-0.