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Published on 06/16/1999 All articles from this issue

Out-manned Ambassadors fall to seasoned Chico team

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By Pete Borello / Town Crier Staff Writer

Ambassadors Update

There was no ranting or raving from coach Franco Benevento last Friday after his Silicon Valley Ambassadors lost 3-1 to the Chico Rooks at Foothill College.

"I couldn't say anything because they gave such a great effort," Benevento said. "That was the best game they've played all year."

Considering the circumstances, it's hard to argue with the coach.

The Ambassadors, a men's minor league soccer team in its second year of operation, went into the match with two major disadvantages. They had fewer players than the Chico Rooks and a lot less experience.

The Ambassadors suited up just 12 players, as seven other team members were traveling with their respective state teams.

And three of the 12 participating players came into the game with limited minor league experience. Midfielders Francisco Martinez, Jacob LeBlanc and Josh Anderson are all in their first year with the club, and none of them have reached their 19th birthday yet.

While the more experienced Rooks proved to be a real challenge to these youngsters, Benevento said they were able to hold their own.

"The young guys did a really good job," he said. "They were impressive."

The Ambassadors and Rooks went into halftime tied at 1. The Rooks struck first, and the Ambassadors retaliated by scoring in the 23rd minute.

Forward Dan Fife created the tie by heading in a shot from just inside the penalty box.

The Rooks regained control in the second half, scoring twice in a five-minute span on counterattacks.

The loss dropped the Ambassadors to 2-3 in the PDL's Southwestern Division and 5-4 overall.

The Ambassadors play at the Central Coast Roadrunners Saturday and then return home Sunday to play the Los Angeles Fireballs at Palo Alto High. Kick-off is set for 2 p.m.