UPSL: History in the Rain - LSA Norcross Holds El Salvador U20s to a 2–2 Draw

Andrew Earnest
1 hour ago
3 min read

Credit: LSA Norcross (Instagram)

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GAINESVILLE, GEORGIA — LSA Norcross, a Georgia-based UPSL side, made history by hosting its first-ever international friendly. The match took place at Billy Ellis Memorial Stadium in Gainesville against the El Salvador U20s on May 29th. At the final whistle, the match ended in a 2–2 draw.

This friendly is part of the El Salvador U20s' efforts to prepare for the CONCACAF U20 Championship in late July. The Salvadoran squad will also face Lanier Soccer Association's second team, LSA Mustangs, and Atlanta-based USL 2 side Apotheos FC, during their tournament preparations.

According to Jonathan Cueva, executive director of Lanier Soccer Association: "These friendlies have a very good impact because we can showcase, compare, and measure the soccer we're producing. This is an event opening our players to scouting opportunities and allowing the community a good chance to see the team play. I thought we executed and performed very well."

Credit: LSA Norcross Pro (Instagram)

With a strong turnout from the Gainesville community, light rain fell at the opening whistle, setting the tone for the evening. The match began tensely, with an early miscommunication from LSA nearly allowing a Salvadoran goal in the first minute. El Salvador opened the first half with an intense press that caused the home team some problems. El Salvador's William Cabrera made the first of many dangerous runs and crosses, delivering one that nearly found the net. The Salvadorans broke the deadlock with a decisive run into space and a clean shot from Diego Mejía.

LSA didn't wait long to respond. In the 20th minute, a free kick was awarded just outside the box near the left corner flag. The ball took a bounce and was powerfully headed into the goal with a diving header from LSA's Joel Martinez.

With the score level at one apiece, the rainy conditions began to make their mark on the match, with missteps and slips common on both sides. Notably, LSA's Xavier Diouf was crucial to his team's success in midfield, creating valuable opportunities. The LSA defensive line came under considerable pressure throughout the match but showed patience in playing the ball out of their half.

Around the 41st minute, the rain truly began to pour. The conditions didn't slow LSA down, as a strong drive in the 43rd minute produced their second goal.

Half-time Score: LSA Norcross 2 – 1 El Salvador U20

After a lengthy delay for lightning safety, play resumed in the 49th minute with rain still falling heavily. Assisted by Xavier Diouf, LSA's Fernando Ventura struck the ball powerfully into the left corner to double the home side's lead.

El Salvador forward William Cabrera continued to cause problems for LSA, driving into open space and creating shots and crosses. In the second half, the heavy downpour had taken its toll on the pitch, producing plenty of sliding challenges for both teams. LSA came under sustained pressure and were forced to concede several set pieces.

In the 63rd minute, a second consecutive corner was won by El Salvador, and it led to an equalizer, the ball falling to defender Dante Cabrera to level the score. A few shots were exchanged in the following minutes, but none found the net. At the final whistle, the score remained level.

Full-time Score: LSA Norcross 2 - 2 El Salvador U20