The Atlantic City FC (6-0-2) were at Pennridge High School in Buxmont, PA, Saturday night against Torch FC (3-5). The Aces came into this game trailing West Chester United SC by one point in the Keystone Conference standings.
The game was delayed for an hour due to inclement weather. Shortly after 7 pm, the game got underway. The Aces were on the attack in the first ten minutes of the game. In the eleventh minute, Loic Jean-Baptiste intercepted the ball before finding an open Ahdan Tait. Then, Tait put the ball in the middle of the field for Daniel Diaz-Bonilla. Bonilla directed the ball to the lower right corner of the net for his first goal of the game. The Aces led 1-0.
Atlantic City FC continued to pressure Torch FC’s defense, creating turnovers and opportunities. In the 27th minute, Andrew Catalana was on the sidelines for a throw-in. The ball bounced on the ground before Loic Jean-Baptiste headered the ball to the left corner of the net for a 2-0 lead. It was Baptiste’s third goal of the season.
In the 30th minute, Baptiste sent the ball in the direction of Daniel Diaz-Bonilla. Bonilla sprinted past a Torch FC defender before bending the ball to the top left corner for his second goal of the game 3-0. Bonilla now has three goals this season. The Aces led 3-0 at halftime.
In the second half, the Aces had more opportunities to add to their lead but came away empty. Torch FC had a couple of opportunities to end the shutout, however, Atlantic City FC’s defense kept them away from the net. Atlantic City FC defeated Torch FC 3-0 to secure a playoff birth for the second time in franchise history. They trail West Chester United SC by one point in the Keystone Conference standings.
Atlantic City FC goalkeeper Lucas Daunhauer earned the clean sheet. The Aces are now 7-0-2 heading into the final game of the regular season next Wednesday, July 7th, versus FC Monmouth at Silver Eagle Stadium in Egg Harbor Township, NJ. FC Monmouth currently holds the final playoff spot.
In other Keystone Conference action, West Chester United SC defeated FC Motown 3-1 to improve to 8-1. West Chester United SC are in first place heading into their final game of the season next Wednesday against Torch FC.
Atlantic City FC can clinch first place with a win and either a West Chester United SC loss or a draw to Torch FC. If the season ends as is next week, Atlantic City FC would host FC Motown in the semifinals.
