River City FC spoil debut of Palmetto Athletic FC in summer league opener
River City FC scored two goals in the first half before strong storms force the second half to be abandoned
It was Match Day One of the SCASA Midlands Summer League as River City FC played host to the new APSL expansion side Palmetto Athletic FCat the Irmo HS practice complex.
River City FC scored a pair of goals in the first half before a strong line of storms forced the teams to scramble for cover as the second half was abandoned due to lighting.
Both teams seemed up for the moment and the match had a very fast, competitive edge from the opening whistle. Some strong tackles both ways kept the match on edge as both teams looked to tip the field in their favor over the first 30 minutes of play.
River City found their breakthrough in the 33rd minute as a cross from the right flank was headed down by River City’s #10 into the side netting for the opening goal of the match.
Just before the halftime whistle, a long vertical pass sprung River’s #15 on a breakaway that catches the Palmetto back line too high and #15 in 1 v 1 on the Palmetto keeper. The shot was rolled neatly into the far post for the 2-0 advantage deep into first-half stoppage time.
With the score 2-0 River at the half, the strong storms rolled into the area and the match was abandoned.
For Palmetto, the ideas and patterns of circulation became clearer during the first half and despite the score line it was a successful debut for this new APSL franchise. River City’s UPSL experience and home-field advantage gave them the slight edge in the critical moments that led to both goals and the separation of the two teams on the evening.
Both teams will be back in action next Saturday, June 14 in Match Day two as Palmetto play Panik Attack and River City plays Saturday Celtic. All matches will be played at the Irmo HS practice fields.
