Albion San Diego defeated the Syracuse Pulse 3-0 on Wednesday, June 15, at Lazer Stadium to get within one point of Bay Cities FC in the NISA West Division standings.

Albion dominated the first half of play creating the better scoring chances throughout the first 45 minutes with the visitors opening up the scoring in the 10th minute thanks to a beautiful pass from forward Eduard Puga who found teammate Alioune Diakhate streaking into the box. Diakhate was able to beat the defenders and goalkeeper Macklin Robinson for the early 1-0 lead.

Albion extended the lead in the 37th minute when Puga found Diakhate again, this time off a corner kick, with the 28-year-old Senegalese striker scoring on a beautiful header from six yards out for his second goal of the match and fourth overall this season.

Moments later he would get a chance for the hat trick after winning a 50/50 ball in front of the Syracuse goalkeeper, but Robinson was up to the task this time.

The Pulse had its best scoring chance of the game in the 45th minute when a controversial penalty call was issued, but Albion San Diego goalkeeper Ben Roach prevented the conversion after catching forward Stephen MacDonald’s attempt with both hands with a quick dive to his left.

Albion San Diego would put the game on ice two minutes later when striker Mayele Malango scored his third goal of the regular season from close range for the 3-0 lead going into halftime.

“The midfield did a great job of getting the ball to setup the attack and Diakhate continues a bit of a hot streak with two more goals,” said Albion San Diego co-owner and CFO Paul Redfern. “Credit to the entire team with how they finished the first half by keeping their composure after the penalty call.”

Despite the second half seeing both teams creating chances, neither were able to capitalize on their opportunities leaving the score as is and giving San Diego the road victory.

“Hats off to the team and staff for being ready and going out and scoring early goals after the team’s first cross country trip,” Redfern added. “It was great to see both a strong team performance as well as individual moments of brilliance. Ben Roach saving that penalty kick and then Mayele Malango putting away that third goal on a great run to allow the team to be conservative in the second half and make sure Syracuse did not get back into the game.”

Albion San Diego now travels to face Flower City Union on Saturday, June 18.

Photo courtesy: NISA