Don't blame the Blitzz for kicking an opponent when its down. Utah took advantage of a tired, undermanned team and routed the California Gold 5-0 on Saturday night at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
When the official lineup was presented, it looked like some information was missing. The Gold had only 10 men listed. Turns out, that was all that would play. The team only had 10 players available at the field. If that wasn't bad enough, California played the night before at BYU with only nine men. Fatigue is always a factor in back-to-back games, but the extra running required when playing down a man or two just emphasized the heavy legs of the Gold.
Utah took an early lead on a California own goal in the ninth minute, but the Blitzz did not come out with the intensity of a normal game. The team started almost like it already knew the outcome. It wasn't until after inserting substitutes Ariel Bravo and Kiko Medina that the pace of the game and the attack quickened considerably.
"I thought our substitutes did a wonderful job tonight," said coach Chris Agnello. "Ariel came in and sparked the front line. The good thing about him is that he will take the ball forward and put some pressure on the defense."
Just minutes after entering the game, the pair teamed up for a momentum-building goal. Medina fed a ball across the middle perfectly to Bravo who chipped a ball over the keeper who was off his line. Just four minutes later it was Medina that picked up the goal.
In a play that was typical of the passing and creativity of the Blitzz, Bravo fed Jorge Estrada who one-touched a nice pass to Richie Breza. Breza then found a streaking Medina who finished with a blast to the upper-right corner.
In the 42nd minute the Blitzz completed the first-half statement. On a corner kick centered by Bravo, Breza raised up above everyone and headed the ball home. It was the finish to a half Utah had been searching for.
The Blitzz had many quality chances in the second half, but it wasn't until the 86th minute that Jorge Estrada capped the scoring with a rocket to the left post that nearly went through the netting.
Despite not being truly tested and toughened for the upcoming Open Cup match on Wednesday, Agnello felt the game was a success. "I am of the opinion that we just needed to avoid injury, and work Trevor (Persson, a newly acquired sweeper playing in his first contest with the team) in at the back. We were able to do that, and even though he wasn't really tested, we could see the athleticism and strong presence he brings."
The Blitzz will play host to the Portland Timbers of the A League in the United Soccer Leagues Wednesday at 7:30 at Rice-Eccles with the winner of the match getting the chance to host the San Jose Earthquakes of MLS.
E-mail: mblack@desnews.com