League Play-Off

Malden
Spectators: 34 (Terracing: 26, Seating: 8, VIP seats: 0) The field was rather wet after several days of rain when Nicholas Winter took the kick off in the first half of the match. Tuan Dahlstrom struck a weak shot in the 3rd minute. Christopher Ortiz didn't even have to move as the ball rolled over the line well wide of the goal. A wasted opportunity for Malden. Christopher Ortiz took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Javier Swain, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. If Nicholas Winter had kept his shot down it would have been a goal in the 6th minute. The ball went over the crossbar and out instead. 8 minutes into the match, Malden's goal looked a bit too open when Nicholas Winter came free, but Aaron Marsh reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. Aaron Marsh showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Nicholas Winter, who was totally free with the ball in the 10th minute. Nicholas Winter took the ball and in the 11 minute, shot a rapid shot to the right of a surprised Aaron Marsh. Aaron Marsh dived to the right, and did manage to get a hand on the shot, but it still went into the right corner making it 0-1. 17 minutes in the game, the ball went up into the seats when Steeleville AFC's Young Fletcher fired away a shot that was just a little bit too high. He walked away shaking his head. An unexpectedly hard shot by Javier Swain in the 22nd minute of play forced Steeleville AFC's goalkeeper Christopher Ortiz to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. Christopher Ortiz took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Tuan Dahlstrom, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. Aaron Marsh showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Nicholas Winter, who was totally free with the ball in the 27th minute. Christopher Ortiz took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Javier Swain, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. After 32 played minutes Malden got a freekick which was hit by Alejandro Coker. Young Fletcher received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 33rd minute. Aaron Marsh tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. After 35 minutes, Alejandro Coker mouthed his way into the referee's book. The tension between the Malden and the Steeleville AFC players grew even worse after the yellow card. The supporters of Steeleville AFC booed when Malden was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 35 match minutes in a wonderful position. Alejandro Coker didn't get a good kick on the ball. Malden's Aaron Marsh played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Young Fletcher in the 38th minute of play. 40 minutes into the match, Malden's goal looked a bit too open when Young Fletcher came free, but Aaron Marsh reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. After a rather tough play, Steeleville AFC's Rodney Cullen got a free kick in the 42nd minute. 48 minutes into the match, Malden's Javier Swain sent off a blazing shot straight on target, a shot that Christopher Ortiz narrowly saved just below the crossbar. After the first half Steeleville AFC were leading 0-1. They had played with great self confidence throughout the first half and fully deserved their lead.

Thanks to some nice foot action and superb ball handling Tuan Dahlstrom in the 52nd minute a chance for a shot on goal. With an extended leg and a bit of luck Christopher Ortiz prevented the ball from getting in the gole. Aaron Marsh showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Nicholas Winter, who was totally free with the ball in the 60th minute. A collision led to Malden getting a freekick after 61 minutes play. Blaine Candido hit a great ball. Young Fletchers short, quick shot in the 64thth minute got Aaron Marsh to make great effort and bar the ball away from getting in. After some careless play in the Malden defense, Young Fletcher kicked a shot that curved into the net to the right of Aaron Marsh. The Malden fans voiced their displeasure as they felt that Aaron Marsh should have stopped the shot. After a defensive mix-up in Malden's zone, Young Fletcher stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Aaron Marsh came out of the goal and Young Fletcher tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. Leon Hogan charged in rather forcefully in the 79th minute of the match, and managed to knock his opponent down. The referee showed Leon Hogan the yellow card, and asked the players to shake hands before continuing play. In the 82nd match minute, Steeleville AFC was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Ward Castaneda to maneuver through the defense. 88 minutes into the match, Steeleville AFC's Nicholas Winter sent off a blazing shot straight on target, a shot that Aaron Marsh narrowly saved just below the crossbar. The supporters of Steeleville AFC booed when Malden was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 89 match minutes in a wonderful position. Wayne Lowe didn't get a good kick on the ball. Young Fletcher might have been able to make a better finish in the 93rd minute when he tried to place a hard shot over Aaron Marsh. Instead the ball went over the crossbar and out. Young Fletcher ran back to his position shaking his head. Steeleville AFC's supporters were very happy and cheered loudly because their team had won after a very close match.