Taking on one of the most iconic club teams in US soccer history, ASC – San Diego took on the New York Cosmos in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) 2019 Semifinal
ASC San Diego was ready to battle the New York Cosmos in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) 2019 Semifinal. With a national reputation for determination and technical prowess, Southern California based ASC San Diego team was focused and prepared to meet the iconic American soccer club on the pitch.
While just making it into the NPSL semifinals is a significant accomplishment for the 4-year old ASC San Diego who had just hoisted the NPSL West Region Championship, playing the legendary team whose roots date back to the 1970s was an honor, especially as their current roster was packed with players with MLS, Liga MX, European and national team experience.
Having earned respect from local and national competitors, it is not surprising that the New York Cosmos head coach Carlos Mendes referred to ASC San Diego as “a team with experience, that’s mature and can handle different situations.”
Competition with tough teams allows talent to shine.
“It’s always special going against a team like the New York Cosmos, said ASC San Diego Head Coach Ziggy Korytoski. “Obviously the history is there, they commit a lot of resources and are doing things the right way. And, ASC San Diego had a great season.”
“Playing the NY Cosmos on the National Stage allowed our organization the opportunity to compete against a world-class organization,” said Noah Gins, CEO of ASC San Diego. “We worked very hard this year and every season during these last four years, and we are very proud of everyone involved with our club.”
It was a season of outstanding performances for ASC San Diego, with special recognition being awarded to midfielder Christian Enriquez was awarded the 2019 NPSL Golden Ball.
“I could not be more proud of what ASC San Diego has accomplished and I believe it’s the first West Region Title to come out of the Southwest Conference in 6 years. This should qualify us for the US Open Cup next season,” said Korytoski. “We have clearly created a platform and vehicle that pushes players.”
Anticipation & Preparation Before the New York Cosmos vs ASC San Diego NPSL Semifinal
While the ASC San Diego squad had to travel to New York for the NPSL Semifinal against the New York Cosmos, both sides approached the match with great anticipation.
“The most important thing for me is looking at our team inside and be prepared like we were playing against Real Madrid,” said NY Cosmos Defender Pedro Galvao.
While many of the Cosmos players thought Southern California based ASC San Diego team might be the best team they have played so far in the season, Cosmos’ defender Kevin Venegas, who trained with ASC San Diego before he joined the NY squad earlier this year said it best, “Whatever team we’re playing is good enough to be where we are.”
Recap of The NPSL Semifinal
An exciting game that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the match was scoreless through the first half of the intense competition between NY Cosmos’ B squad and ASC San Diego.
ASC’s goalkeeper Jean Antoine made three incredible saves in the first half to keep the game scoreless. It was not until the 53rd minute that the Cosmos found a way to get past Antoine and ASC’s defense. New York’s midfielder David Diosa, who was impossibly close, kicked the ball 10 yards into the back of the net to score and give the Cosmos their first goal to take a 1-0 lead.
Soccer fans were able to watch all the matches on MyCujoo. Here is the MyCujoo link for the NPSL Semifinal.
“I thought we were excellent in the first-half and disrupted a lot of their play,”
Ziggy Korytoski, ASC San Diego Head Coach
“We created a couple of opportunities and were unfortunate in my opinion to not have taken the lead going into the break. Antoine played outstanding in goal on all accounts and collectively we were very difficult to break down,” said coach Korytoski.
“It was not until the second half that the Cosmos scored. They played a nice little combination that dragged our
“The late penalty scored by Junior Burgos was unfortunate and ultimately ended our chance to get back into the game,”
Ziggy Korytoski, ASC San Diego Head Coach
It is a season to remember … Read ASC’s Historic Playoff Run Ends in Long Island
The Cosmos’ success was shortlived. Miami FC defended its National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) title by recording a 3-1 victory over New York Cosmos B on August 3rd.
Celebrating ASC San Diego’s Journey To NPSL’s 2019 Semifinal
Southern California soccer — on all levels — is very competitive and sets an exceptionally high standard. As more teams join in the San Diego to LA hotbed of competition, ASC San Diego has established itself as the team to beat.
“There’s a lot of talk of other clubs that may try to join the market — whoever comes in will need to go through ASC. I think we’ve done an incredible job with our product on the field.”
Ziggy Korytoski, ASC San Diego Head Coach
ASC San Diego finished in third place in the West Region Conference with a 12-5-1 record and 37 points and had an amazing performance in the playoffs, winning all three of its games on the road. Considered red-hot during the final games of the season, coach Korytoski knows how to make his team peak at the right time,
ASC San Diego postseason began with a 4-2 shootout victory over local rival FC Golden State on July 7 after a 2-2 draw after regulation and extra time in the NPSL West Region Quarterfinals.
The team continued its winning ways with a 3-1 victory earned in penalty kicks against Washington’s Crossfire Redmond in the NPSL Region Semifinals. The regulation whistle blew with a 1-1 draw.
ASC San Diego captured the NPSL West Region crown on July 21 after winning their match against FC Arizona with a 2-1 final score.
Photo credit : Matthew Levine / New York Cosmos and ASC San Diego
