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Published on 07/27/1998 All articles from this issue

Ambassadors playoff run ends at one

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By Pete Borello / Town Crier Staff Writer

Coach Joe Silveira said his Silicon Valley Ambassadors out-shot and out-played the Central Coast Roadrunners in last Friday's Premier Development Soccer League playoff opener.

Problem was, the Ambassadors didn't out-score them.

The Roadrunners eked out a 2-1 overtime win at De Anza College that put a sour end to what was an otherwise sweet season for the Ambassadors.

"It's a shame to end the season like this," Silveira said. "We deserve better. But the best team doesn't always win the game."

The upstart Ambassadors still exceeded expectations this year. The locally-based team won the Southwest Division with a 15-1 record. And at 19-2 overall, the Ambassadors entered the playoffs ranked No. 1 in the nation.

But forgive the Roadrunners for not bowing in their presence. Although Central Coast placed fourth in the Southwest, it did come into the game with an advantage: playoff experience. The Roadrunners claimed the national title a year ago.

Central Coast gained another edge 15 minutes into the second half when Ambassadors defender Nels Bruckner was ejected for an illegal slide tackle. This forced Silicon Valley to play the next 30 minutes a man short.

The Roadrunners soon capitalized, breaking a scoreless tie with just under 20 minutes left.

The Ambassadors got a break of their own in the 84th minute, scoring on a corner kick that deflected off an opposing player.

The game was decided with six minutes left in overtime when the Roadrunners knocked in a shot from eight yards out.