Match Review - Texoma FC 3-3 Spokane Velocity
Texoma stuns USL1 with an impressive result!
With only 7 games left, including vs Spokane, Texoma is drowning in goal differential and running empty on games. They need a result and fast if they still want to make playoffs. So far, 3 of the 5 expansion teams this season are above the playoff line. Westchester sits last on the table, Naples is 4th, Portland Heart of Pine are 6th, AV Alta is sitting on the cusp at 7th, and Texoma have fallen to 10th.
First Half
In a game most anticipated to be either a blowout victory, or at minimum, a dominant performance from Spokane did not unfold as expected.
As I speculated, Texoma chose 4-2-3-1 for their formation, and Spokane decided on 4-1-4-1; however at pregame lineups, their formation was listed as 3-5-2.
Spokane dominated possession but failed to capitalize on most of their chances. It was a back and forth affair goal wise. Texoma forward Brandon McManus, set the tone for the evening by netting a tense opening goal, executed with a delicate and impressive touch that barely crossed the line.
Exactly 10 minutes later, the equalizer appeared from forward Nico Brett. The goal came from lazy defending and poor coverage of passing lanes, allowing Spokane to steal a pass from star goalkeeper Javier Garcia, which would lead to an easy conversion.
Inadequate defending would be the theme for this game. Spokane allowed multiple runs into the final third for Texoma, while Texoma would get into foul trouble and their defense was nothing short of lackluster.
In the 35th minute, Texoma regained the lead when midfielder Phillip Spengler found himself unmarked outside the box. He fired a stunning shot that Spokane could have easily prevented. To Spokane’s fortune, like clockwork, they were able to equalize within 10 minutes. In the 45th minute, midfielder Luis Gil received a wonderful chip pass and volleyed it towards goal. At first, it appeared the try would soar over the goal and out of bounds; however, it landed precisely, and luckily for Spokane, in the back corner of net. The score at half-time was 2-2
Second Half
So far, the game had already exceeded all fans expectations, and it was poised to be an exciting 2nd half. It would quickly turn downhill unfortunately for Texoma when again, the defense lazily and carelessly fouled Spokane’s Ismaila Jome in the box. Astonishingly, Javier Garcia saved the day again for Texoma by narrowly blocking the penalty attempt.
Shortly after, Texoma got a throw-in deep in Spokane territory. The ball found its way for the second time to McManus who was able to sink the ball in the far left corner for Texoma’s 3rd goal.
Spokane desperately rushed to equalize, which they managed to do in the 65th minute when defender Jalen Crisler made his way into the penalty box completely unmarked after he received a beautiful cross from Luis Gil; he would ultimately equalize the score 3-3.
Not even 5 minutes later, it would seem the game would drift out of reach for Texoma when Ismaila Jome for Spokane was tripped inside the penalty box again, drawing the foul and penalty for his team. Spokane decided to go to the opposite direction of their first penalty, but that strategy proved unsuccessful as they were denied a goal from the spot not once, but twice. This save would give Javier Garcia 5 saves from the spot this season, adding his name to the record books with Austin Pack - who recorded 5 saves in the 2023 season for the Charlotte Independence. After the penalty save, both teams failed to create any more worthwhile chances and the game would end in a DRAW, 3-3.
Final Thoughts
The story of the night was the poor defending on both ends of the pitch. Texoma showed impressive offensive effort and a stellar goalkeeping performance, while Spokane was very aggressive in the midfield, won most of the aerial battles, and also dominated possession 60%-40%. Looking at on-paper stats, Texoma should have lost this game, but they played with great determination and almost came away with a victory. Texoma needed a result, and they got one. Not the result they wanted, but a result nonetheless.
