FRESNO -- In a stunning come-from-behind victory, the San Francisco Seals won 3-2 in the home opener for the Fresno Fuego at Chukchansi Park last Saturday.
Pablo Campos opened the scoring in the U.S. Open qualifier for the Fuego in the 41st minute with a header off a cross from the left by Amaury Nunes. Nine minutes later, the two Brazilians paired for the Fuego's second goal, when Nunes scored in the 51st minute off a fast pass by Campos.
The Seals' Carlos Díaz then scored off a penalty kick (64th minute) to bring the match to within a single goal, but it was goalie/forward Kellan Wilson who scored back-to-back goals (80th and 84th minutes) for the 3-2 victory.
Campos, the Premier Development League's 2007 Player of the Year, suffered an ankle injury in the second half, which forced him to leave the match about 15 minutes before the end of regulation.
Campos believes the injury may sideline him for several weeks. Nunes left minutes earlier due to tendonitis pain in his right knee.
"When you lost Amaury (Nunes) and I, you lost a reference on the attack that we had today," said Campos.
Midfielder Fabricio Codeceira feels the team can rebound quickly after their disappointing U.S. Open qualifier loss, looking toward league play.
"Last year we lost the first game of the season, and we wound up pretty well," said Codeceira.
"I think the PK (penalty kick) gave us a little bit of heart," said Seals' coach Tom Simpson.
To read the entire story and see more photos of the match, visit vidaenelvalle.com.
Sacramento Knights prepare for NPSL season opener
The Sacramento Knights will open their National Premier Soccer League season Saturday (May 3) at 7:30 p.m. against host Sonoma Sol.
Head coach Jorge Fernández and his Knights will attempt to improve on last year's 7-2-5 regular-season record.
The NPSL governs play among 22 amateur teams. The Knights, based at Cosumnes River College in Sacramento, is among several northern California clubs.
Last November, an all-star squad from the NPSL hosted an exhibition match in Sacramento against Chivas USA of Major League Soccer.
For more information, visit nationalpremiersoccerleague.com.
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