Project 51O made it three wins from three UPSL games on Saturday, dispatching Merced United by an empathetic three goals to nil at the Oakland Roots Training Facility. After blanking MCSC Jaguars by a score of 6-0 in Salinas last Saturday, 51O returned home hoping to keep their early season run of form rolling. Unblemished blue skies and a temperature of just below 70 degrees provided the perfect atmosphere for a beautiful day of football, and 51O took full advantage.
Despite a lionshare of possession and trademark intricate interplay, 51O’s attack was stymied for the majority of the first half, thanks to the stout structure of Merced United’s experienced backline. As the halftime whistle approached, it looked like the Team from the Town would have to wait for a breakthrough, but as first half stoppage time began, captain Javi Ruiz Duran scythed through the middle of the pitch with a purposeful driving run and slipped Etsgar Cruz in on goal. The 17 year old analyzed his angles, adjusted his body, and slotted a cool finish past Merced United’s goalkeeper, a sight that has become all too familiar for opposition teams over the past months.
Buoyed by the momentum swing the late strike provided, 51O picked up where they left off in the second half, bombarding the Merced backline. It did not take long to strike paydirt again, as Julian Valle spotted Ruiz Duran’s streaking run from left back, and lofted a ball over the heads of Merced’s backline. Ruiz Duran’s perfectly weighted first time cross was met by Luis Saldaña, who tapped in to cap off another trademark team goal, and give 51O some much needed breathing room.
Saldaña would strike for his brace just moments later, receiving a cushioned layoff from Cruz, and powering a low, dipping strike into the bottom corner that evaded the dive of Merced United’s goalkeeper, ending any hope the visitors might have had for a miraculous comeback.
The shutout was 51O’s third in a row, and the three goals on the day brought the team’s tally to 14 in just three matches, proving the youth movement is well and truly alive in The Town. 51O will look to make it four wins in a row next Saturday, when they make take on East County Revolution at 2:00 PM PT.
