Project 51O secured the USL League Two Southwest Division crown in dramatic fashion Sunday night against Central Valley Fuego II, as 16 year-old Etsgar Cruz capitalized on a goalmouth scramble to tie the game at 2, and provide 51O with the point it needed to become champions. 51O entered the field of play knowing that a draw would see them capture the division title, after claiming the tiebreaker against second-place Ventura County Fusion earlier this month. Conditions at Fresno Pacific University were unfavorable to say the least, and the teams kicked off in 105 degree heat.
Despite being eliminated from playoff contention, the Fuego were content to play the role of spoiler, and jumped into the lead in the 36th minute, as left winger Lucas Ribeiro cut inside onto his right foot, and unleashed a low, rasping drive that eluded the dive of 51O goalkeeper Tim Syrel at the near post. After some half chances in response, 51O went into halftime down a goal, and with a dent in their championship aspirations. After regrouping at halftime, the dangerous Javi Mariona, fresh off his USL Championship season debut on Saturday night, shimmied inside and fired a shot that trailed just wide of the post.
Fuego would seemingly put the game beyond all doubt in the 78th minute. After 51O had missed a gilt-edged chance at the other end 2 minutes prior, Ribiero would double his tally on the night, letting the ball run across his body in the box, before a deft Cruyff turn saw him create a yard of space, and he made no mistake with an unerring right footed finish to the far post for a 2-0 lead.
Facing the most important 10 minutes in their season, 51O would showcase their championship DNA. After being put through on goal by a brilliantly chipped 40 yard ball from Mariona, Saul Tecle dinked the ball over the onrushing Fuego goalkeeper with aplomb, giving 51O life in the 88th minute. The boys from The Town would pile on the pressure, bombarding the Fuego backline with whipped crosses from both sides of the pitch. The dam would finally burst, as captain Javi Ruiz would slice a low cross into the box, finding the feet of Tecle. The forward’s first touch took a hefty bounce into the air, but he managed to poke it forward to the onrushing Cruz, who volleyed home, sending the 51O bench into a raucous celebration that continued on after the final whistle.
“The team’s response to the adversity we faced in the first half was fantastic,” said 51O center back Josh Redfield. “This team, as well as the organization as a whole. has a never-say-die attitude that shined last night amidst some of the toughest conditions we have played in so far this year. I’m really proud of our performance, especially from the substitutes who raised the level, and played a massive role in our league championship this season.”
Project 51O will embark on its postseason journey this Friday at 7 PM, as the third seeded team in the Western Conference, when they take on Seattle based Ballard FC at Interbay Stadium in a quarterfinal matchup. The winner of the match will await the winner of the SF Glens and Capital FC in the Western Conference semifinals. Tune in to the stream below, or follow Project 51O on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for updates!
