The Aces returned home to continue their playoff push as they welcomed New Jersey Copa to Silver Eagle Stadium. The Aces defeated Copa FC last Wednesday and were looking for the sweep.
The Aces created plenty of chances in the first half with two shots on goal by Jacques Francois, and one each by David Nigro and Ryan Bailey.
Copa’s defense stood strong by deflecting shots and marking the offense to narrow the angle down on shots. The Aces goalkeeper, Charlie Cunliffe, made a couple of crucial stops which halted the push up the middle by Copa FC keeping them off the board.
The Aces would break through in the 44th minute when Ryan Bailey sent a blazing shot in the net giving the Aces the lead of 1-0 heading into halftime. With this goal, Ryan Bailey has four on the season.
The Aces would continue their momentum into the second half. Goalkeeper Charlie Cunliffe continued to guard the net to keep Copa FC from scoring. There was a period of charging by both teams and several yellow cards were issued.
A penalty kick was awarded to the Aces after Copa’s Nicholas Sica was called for unsportsmanlike behavior. Joao Brum converted the shot to extend the Aces’ lead to 2-0 in the 73rd minute.
Soon after in the 84th minute Alex Satrustegui, with an assist from both Charlie Livesey and Ryan Nigro on a breakaway pass, rammed the ball passed New Jersey Copa FC goalkeeper Holman Pinzon just inside the left post to make it a 3-0. This goal gives Satrustegui his sixth goal of the season.
The Aces defeated New Jersey Copa FC 3-0 to improve their record to 5-2-1 with two games left to play in the season. The Aces hit the road for the final time of the season as they take on FC Monmouth Wednesday night at 7 pm from Count Basie Park.
