SO CAL CRUSH FC 0, HOUSTON ACES 4

LA CRESCENTA, CA - Coming off a quick turnaround on Sunday afternoon in back-to-back games over the weekend in the Los Angeles area, the Houston Aces (1-3 West) shook off the disappointment of Saturday’s loss to conference leaders Santa Clarita and scored three first half goals en route to a 4-0 win over So Cal Crush FC (1-3 West). It was the first win of the 2017 season for Houston, who opened their campaign with three closely-contested losses to Calgary, Real Salt Lake and the Blue Heat. Goalkeeper Stefany Castano (three saves) got the victory in goal for the Aces while Crush FC’s Adriana Maldonado made 12 saves in the loss at Crescenta Valley High School.

Gisela Arrieta Betancourt was the first of four different scorers for Houston in the match, breaking in on goal to bet Maldonado off an assist from midfielder Megan McCashland in the 20th minute. Eight minutes later, midfielder Tatiana Ariza converted on a penalty kick to make the score 2-0. Forward Stephanie Garcia broke in on goal from 25 yards out and tallied the third Aces goal in the 33rd minute. Houston put the game completely out of reach in the 64th minute when midfielder Mariana Diaz Leal’s cross found forward Diandra Aliaga and her header was the final goal in the 4-0 win. The loss was So Cal’s third straight defeat at home since opening the year with a 2-0 road win over Real Salt Lake.

SANTA CLARITA BLUE HEAT 1, HOUSTON ACES 0

SANTA CLARITA, CA - The Santa Clarita Blue Heat (4-0 West) continued their undefeated start to the 2017 season, but not without difficulty as the Houston Aces gave them a tough test on Saturday night at The Master’s University. As time ticked off the clock, Venezuelan international and Florida State University star Deyna Castellanos notched her first goal of the year on a penalty kick and Santa Clarita held on for the 1-0 victory over Houston. Goalkeeper Ryann Torrero made her 2017 debut in goal for the Blue Heat, making four saves in the shutout win, while Colombian international Stefany Castano made two saves for the Aces in defeat.

Castellanos declared her intentions in the sixth minute, driving a long range shot over the crossbar from a cleared corner. But from that point, Houston steadily put pressure on Santa Clarita, with midfielder Tatiana Ariza coming close in the eighth minute and Lindsay South Hamner’s cross/shot from the left flank six minutes later forcing Torrero to take action. In the 31st minute, Ariza teamed up with Mariana Diaz Leal on a give-and-go but the Colombian international put her shot over the crossbar. The score remained scoreless at halftime. In the second half, the Aces had a pair of chances of the 48th & 59th minutes before they committed a hand ball in their own penalty area in the 89th minute, opening the door for Castellanos’ heroics.

CALGARY FOOTHILLS WOMEN’S FC 0, REAL SALT LAKE WOMEN 0

CALGARY, AB - It was another frustrating result on Saturday night for Calgary Foothills Women’s FC (1-2-1 West) as they were unable to put away a number of scoring chances in an effort for their first home win. What would result was an entertaining match against the Real Salt Lake Women (3-2-1 West), who could bemoan their own lack of luck in front of goal in the 0-0 draw at Calgary Soccer Centre. CFWFC goalkeeper Emily Burns was the player of the match for the home side, earning a clean sheet (six saves).

Calgary forward Natalie Arnett got the action rolling in the fourth minute after being sent in on goal by midfielder Sarah Kinzner. RSLW keeper Becca Ritchie (nine saves) made a great save to keep the score level. CFWFC held possession in the early stages, while Real Salt Lake sat deep and hit them on the counter. Midway through the first half, RSLW were presented with a pair of chances after hitting Foothills on a break which ended with a 1v1 against Burns, who came out on top. Real Salt Lake threatened again after a long free kick, which was met by a header that caromed off the post. 

The second half followed the same storyline. It began with a great solo run from Arnett, who skipped past numerous defenders before firing wide of the post. Eventually the pair of Mya Jones (56th minute) and Chelsea Oddan (66th minute) came on for the home side, with the latter striking just over the bar with a shot from outside the box. Jones impressed with her direct running and pace and was almost rewarded with a goal but was thwarted by Ritchie.

About United Women’s Soccer (UWS): UWS is a national women’s soccer league sanctioned by U.S. Soccer through the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA). UWS is a professionally operated league created for teams that meet high minimum standards. The season runs from May until the end of July, culminating in a National Championship match. The UWS player pool is comprised of college players, aspiring & former professionals and international stars. You can follow UWS on social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Media can contact UWS Director of Communications Jorma Kansanen by e-mail at Press@UWSSoccer.com. You can visit the league’s official website at UWSSoccer.com. Interested team applicants can contact League Commissioner Joe Ferrara, Jr. by e-mail at Joe@UWSSoccer.com.