In their second season in the BAASL (Bay Area Adult Soccer League), the Gladiators won the Division B Championship in 2-1 victory over the Mambas.
Life West looked poised to take the lead early with fast breaks lead by strikers, Marco Carvajal Gomez and Marco Gudino. Defensive lapses plagued the Gladiators though, as the back four relinquished the ball in their own box, thus leading to a Mambas goal.
Down 0-1, the Gladiators kept the pressure on and that lead to plenty of goal scoring opportunities. A free kick attempt outside the top right box from midfielder Kevin Bodle found the back of the net tying up the score 1-1.
A hand ball inside the box from a Mambas defender gave the Gladiators a prime chance to take the lead before the end of the half. Gladiator’s captain, Scott Mitchell, made sure of that and netted the penalty kick past the keeper to end the half with a 2-1 lead.
With their sights set on the championship, the Gladiators came together to a set precedence on defense. In the final 10 minutes, the Mambas went all out to score the tying goal. A late goalie substitution for the Gladiators helped ensure the title. John Christman made several key saves, with the last save coming from a corner kick.
The Gladiators ended their championship season with a 7-1-2 record.
This fall season, the Gladiators are joining the West Coast Soccer Association, a collegiate club league. After placing highly in the BAASL, the Men’s soccer team is looking to take the next step.
“This is a prestigious league where Life West will be competing at a high level against schools such as UC Berkeley, UCSF and other Bay Area colleges,”
Gladiator midfielder, Wyland Luke said.
Learn more about the West Coast Soccer Association at westcoastsoccerassociation.com.
