Sunday June 26th, 2005

Sacramento, CA

The second year Samba who have demonstrated great resolve and focus despite simultaneously battling for a National Championship and the Dewar Trophy, were bested by two teams this weekend whose complete focus remained solely on their games with Salinas. In the process, the Samba learned a valuable lesson on the focus and pride required every time you lace up your cleats to compete with the "establishment" of futbols best.

Friday night In Chico against the Rooks (2004 USASA Champions and California's oldest professional soccer team) the Samba engaged in a tit-for-tat battle of scoring prowess, which ended with a furious Samba rally that fell just short in a 4-3 loss. Samba midfielder Nate Northup struck gold on two headers in the roller coaster contest. Chico's Donnie Ribaudo, a five foot five inch Tasmanian Devil clothed in a soccer jersey, kept Samba defenders guessing with spins and whirls, before assisting Brian Frederick on a masterful 29-yard curler that dipped in it's final arch just below the corners of the frame. Ismael Ibarra answered in the 87th minute by dribbling around three Rooks defenders before hammering a rising shot that ripped the nets from twenty yards away. Despite constant attacks and chances, the Rooks held on in the final minutes to close out the win. Chico's hopes to gain a coveted NPSL playoff spot remain alive with a 5-5-4 record.

Groundhog day was Saturday night in Sacramento, as the Knights and Samba exchanged goals and dangerous chances, with Sacramento able to finish 5 chances, to Salinas's 2. The Knights have come full circle in their many years in existence, from outdoor powerhouse, to indoor champions, and back to outdoor powers. This night, Sacramento's Anthony Chiamenti spent much of the night in free space using deceptive speed and great skill to net a hat trick against dazed defenders. The fresher legs of the Knights apparent, Salinas was still able to force dangerous opportunities, and Ismael Ibarra again connected on a blasted deflection from the left side. This was to be the Knights night though, as Sacramento moves into a tie for 2nd place with the Samba at 23 points apiece.

The Samba shift their attention to Wednesday nights game against the A-league Sounders. This 2nd round Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match pits the seasoned pros from Seattle, including two-time MLS All Star Welton Melo and many National Team members, against the Samba.

Despite the lengthy professional resumes, awards, and titles, rightly held by the potent Sounders, the Samba have earned their spot on this grand stage. This well coached, respectful of the game, cast of characters from Salinas, comes up against the big boys Wednesday night, fiercely determined to prove themselves worthy of the honor.