FULL-TIME SUMMARY: Commodores 5-0 Buffalo Stallions
Erie Commodores FC continued their strong run of form with a 5-0 win over
the Buffalo Stallions at Saxon Stadium, adding another clean sheet while
remaining unbeaten in NPSL Great Lakes Conference play.
Goals:
Sho Kinjo – 14’ (assist: Will Perry)
Julián Tovar – 21’ (unassisted)
Alvar Silva – 53’ (assist: Alvaro Planas)
Julián Tovar – 54’ (assist: Masaki Tsuji)
Alvaro Planas – 63’ (assist: Masaki Tsuji)
Erie Commodores FC returned to Saxon Stadium on Saturday evening to face the Buffalo Stallions for the second time in a week. The Commodores started on the front foot, pressing high after Buffalo’s kickoff and forcing the visitors into a defensive shape during the opening exchanges.
The breakthrough came in the 14th minute from a set piece. Will Perry delivered a corner kick to the back post, where Kinjo met it with a header to give Erie a 1-0 lead. Seven minutes later, the Commodores doubled their advantage. A three-player combination involving Tovar, Tsuji, and Silva moved the ball through Buffalo’s defensive block, and Julián Tovar finished the chance to make it 2-0. Erie continued to create opportunities throughout the remainder of the first half.
Buffalo’s best chance came in the 37th minute, when a counter-attack created an
opening against the Erie defense. Goalkeeper Aramendia made the save to preserve
the clean sheet and keep the score at 2-0 heading into halftime. The Commodores
generated additional chances before the break but were unable to add a third goal
before the whistle.
The second half saw Erie extend its lead with three goals in a ten-minute span. In the 53rd minute, the Commodores won possession in Buffalo’s half following sustained pressure. Alvaro Planas advanced and delivered a cross that Alvar Silva converted to make it 3-0.
One minute later, Erie added a fourth. Tsuji found Julián Tovar with a cross from the left flank, and Tovar finished for his second goal of the match and fourth of the season.
The fifth goal came in the 63rd minute. After receiving the ball on the left side, Tsuji drew defenders before playing a pass to Planas, who finished from close range to extend the lead to 5-0.
Erie continued to create opportunities throughout the remainder of the match while maintaining control defensively. This win marked another clean sheet for the Commodores. With the result, Erie remains unbeaten in conference competition heading into next week's match.
Halfway through the season, Erie Commodores remain in first place in very tightly contested Great Lakes Conference. Next day out Commodores travel to rivals Cleveland SC, with both teams undefeated in conference play this game promises to be another great contest in the Erie - Cleveland rivalry!