Saturday, June 2, 2007

With two influential figures back in the starting 11, the Ventura County Fusion secured all three points Saturday night at Buena High.

Leading scorer Mark Draycott returned from his one-game suspension to score both goals and preseason captain Alejandro Carmona solidified the defense with an impressive debut as the Fusion defeated Orange County Blue Star, 2-1.

Draycott, a striker from Swindon, England, scored his fifth and sixth goals of the season in just five appearances as the Fusion (5-1) regained the top spot in the USL Premier Development League's 10-team Southwest Division on goal difference.

Ventura County and the San Jose Frogs both have 15 points from six matches, but the Fusion has a one-goal edge on aggregate goals.

Orange County (0-5-1), playing without star Sal Zizzo, who is in Canada with the U.S. Under-20 national team, remains firmly rooted to the bottom of the division's standings with just one point from six matches.

Draycott was shown the red card for arguing with an official after the Fusion's only loss of the season, 2-1, at San Jose on May 12. Suspended for the Fusion's 3-2 win over the Fresno Fuego on May 18, Draycott watched with agony as the Fusion needed two goals from Gabe Farfan for a come-from-behind victory.

"It was horrible watching the lads play the last game against Fresno," said Draycott. "I was dying to get back out there."

The wait for a goal was over seconds before halftime, as Draycott ran onto a cross by attacker Eric Avila and sent a looping header over the outstretched arms of Blue Star goalkeeper Miguel Benitez.

"It was important to get the goal before halftime," said Draycott. "I think once we got that, we settled down nicely. I think we thoroughly deserved the victory."

The first goal begat the second strike, which came two minutes after halftime when Draycott drilled a low shot through a crowded goalmouth and inside the bottom corner of Benitez's goal for a 2-0 lead.

The goals game despite Farfan leaving the field after 37 minutes because of a suspected dislocated toe. He was replaced by Liberian striker John Massaquoi.

For the first time this season, the Fusion took the field in a 3-5-2 formation, structured defensively around Carmona.

The former Mexican youth international, who wore the captain's armband for much of the preseason before leaving the team just prior to the opening game of the season April 28, did not disappoint.

"He did very well," said Draycott. "He shored up the back four and his cross-field passing was excellent."

Carmona's night was summed up by the lonely evening of Fusion goalkeeper Logan Frank.

Despite failing to get his second shutout of the season, the Westmont College product was not called upon to make a single save.

Deon Deldo's volley from close range during yet another mixup in the Fusion defense enabled Orange County to pull within a goal in the 60th minute.

But the Fusion had the better chances in the final half hour.

For the season time this season, Draycott spurned a chance at a hat trick with a couple late opportunities. Midfielder Varden Adzemian also spurned a chance when put through on goal alone in the final moments.

The Fusion next take the field against in a Father's Day local derby against the San Fernando Valley Quakes, June 17 at Granada Hills High.

» FUSION TICKETS

Fusion Season Tickets are now available. Click buy now to choose the package right for you.

FUSION SPONSOR

FUSION SPONSOR
Champions Soccer

Join the fusion youth soccer academy. For more info fill out this form
Name*:
Address*:
City*:
Zip/State:

Phone*:
Email:
Date of Birth:

Home of the Ventura County Fusion

Fusion of Soccer, Sharing, and Sea

Draycott sparks Fusion victory

Saturday, June 2, 2007

With two influential figures back in the starting 11, the Ventura County Fusion secured all three points Saturday night at Buena High.

» FUSION TICKETS

» FUSION NEWSLETTER

» LIFT YOUR GAME

Name:
Email:
ADD \| REMOVE