Brittney Spears "music" may not appeal to everyone, but her aptly named song explains the improbable past two games Samba Forward Stephen Wondolowski has enjoyed. After scoring a dramatic last minute tying goal in Chico last Saturday, Wondolowski tonight upped the ante by netting a last second winning goal against the fierce Sonoma Sol.  The 2-1 victory moves Salinas into first place in the NPSL WEST, and avenges the Samba's only loss of the season.

This match up of two NPSL West powerhouses, pitting the Sambas determined and aggressive attack against the talented and physical Sol, did not disappoint the vocal crowd. The Samba drew first blood off the foot of speedy wing Lee Pricer, who followed nifty work from midfielders Mark Hogenhout and Joel Sanchez, for a goal early in the first half. The Sol answered with a bicycle kick that was blocked in front of the Samba net, but the rebound was pounded home by talented Sol forward (and 2004 league scoring champion) David Briceno, for a 1-1 halftime score.

Salinas Valley came out for the second half possessed, with coach Artie Cairel masterfully sending wave after wave of attacks, and rotating fresh legs up front, against the literally huge Sonoma defenders. Cairel's rotation of fresh attackers for thoroughly spent ones was spot on, but Sonoma was game throughout. The Sol counterpunched with long balls to the wings, but the Samba defenders came up big in a crucial game, with timely tackles and tight marking of the Sonoma forwards. Though the half was dominated by exceptional ball control from Hogenhout and the Samba, Salinas's offense was stymied by the 6'5" Sol keeper, the crossbar on an Ismael Ibarra header, and the tough Sol defenders.  Add to that narrow misses from a Wondolowski header, a beautiful Hogenhout free kick punched wide, and a big save on a rocket volley from Aaron Biddle, and a tie seemed to be the Samba fate. Then along came the heroics from Wondolowski; again.

 Next Up Is Cup

The Samba now head to Sacramento on an emotional high for their Lamar Hunt US Open Cup opening round game Friday, against Southern California powerhouse Barza. Game time is 3pm, at the Cherry Island Soccer Complex (click here for driving directions). We will post additional Cup details to the website as we receive them.