An epic first round Open Cup match was played tonight at Ernie Nevers Field in Santa Rosa, CA. The Sonoma County Sol struck first against league rival Salinas Valley Samba when Hurst tucked a turn around shot, in the 59th minute, from inside the box into the corner of the goal. The 1-0 lead looked to be enough for the Sol to move on until furious Samba pressure in the goal box lead to the Frank equalizer in the 92nd minute. The first extra period produced few chances on either end. Early into the second extra period, Sonoma County had chances early and hard Samba tackle into the goal area lead to a Sol penalty kick. Sigler buried the free spot chance, officially at minute 108, and the Sol looked to be headed towards a matchup in the second round against the Seattle Sounders. But the Samba were not out and a beautiful curling shot into the top right corner from just outside the area produced yet another equalizer. Bessimmer delivering yet another blow to the Sonoma County faithful. Like the USASA Division IV finals, this matchup between the Sol and the Samba came down to penalty kicks. After matching 5 for 5, the Samba goalie saved the first sudden death attempt and the Samba capitalized on their kick to book a trip to Seattle and the second round. A crushing result, but an epic game to be a part of.
You are right - an extremely entertaining game...if only more MLS games were that exciting to watch. Hats off to both teams.