Courtesy Photo

Santa Clarita, Calif – With temperatures at game time well into triple digits at Master’s College the Santa Clarita Storm FC edged out the SFV Scorpions 1-0 for the second time in two weeks on Saturday Afternoon.

The game marked the return of the Storm’s top goal scorer Brett Croft who would factor in on the victory.

The first half of play was a seesaw affair as both teams had multiple possessions but the Storm would eventually find the edge producing multiple chances in the half.

Seven minutes in the Storm found their first opportunity when midfielder Jake Hirst worked his way towards the middle and found a slot that allowed him to place a quick shot on target. The Scorpions goalkeeper made a big stop on the hard shot to keep the game tied an zeros.

In the 36th minute, Croft intercepted an attempted pass by the Scorpions and from 17 yards back took a shot that just missed the upper V of the Goal. The Storms Kingsley Aning and Tyler Coombes had several opportunities but were unable to capitalize on them. The first 45 minutes ended in a 0-0 draw.

The second 45 minutes after the Storm had time to build up at the half, came out again with pressure and it only took 2 minutes into the half for the attack to begin.

Storm midfielder Alex Barahona worked his way to about 5 yards out, attracted a number of defenders  before slipping a perfect cross to the charging Croft who quickly notched his 7th goal in 6 games after returning from a red card suspension last week.

In the 72nd minute the Scorpions had a prime opportunity to tie the game when they produced a breakaway against Storm keeper Kyle Cunningham.

The Storm’s stopper proved to be a strong match though, coming off his line to challenge the break, eventually snatching the ball from the feet of the attacker ending the threat and helping to secure the 1-0 victory.

Cunningham has been superb all season, allowing only 3 goals this season, all of those coming on penalty kicks.

The Santa Clarita team will now travel to Glendale Sports Complex next Saturday to face for the second time PanAmerican FC LA, who the Storm beat on the 14th 6 to 0. Kick off for the game is 3:00pm, Get the Storm full schedule at www.santaclaritastorm.com