As Albion San Diego continues on its impressive march to the NISA playoffs, having already secured a spot in the postseason thanks to its recent victory over California United Strikers, the team’s defensive play and ball control are something that continues to stand out.
Despite having the second leading goal scorer in the league in forward Alioune Diakhate alongside his fellow striker Mayele Malango, it’s the quality from its side of the pitch that has become so dependable by providing great passes for the attack. Here is where the play of midfielder Tyler Gabarra has set him apart by forcing timely turnovers, finding open spaces, and complimenting an efficient counterattack that catches opposing defenses flat-footed.
If there was ever someone who had soccer in his blood it’s Gabarra with his father Jim having 14 caps for the United States men’s national team in the late 1980s and mother, Carin, accumulating 117 caps with the women’s national team along with being awarded the Golden Ball as the best player at the 1991 FIFA Women’s World Cup followed by an induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2000.
Tyler Gabarra played at North Carolina State from 2016 to 2019 before joining Loudoun United of the USL Championship in 2020. “The biggest things I’ve noticed within the levels is the understanding of the game and the tactical knowledge,” he said.
Alongside fellow midfielders Pablo Pelaez and Eduard Puga, the three have provided a balanced line that not only prevents Albion San Diego from getting caught outnumbered on an attack but are able to turn a basic pass into a scoring opportunity of their own.
“It’s a brand new squad that was put together at the beginning of the season,” Gabarra added. “When you look at Cal United who has had the bulk of their players together for two or three years, that’s a big difference. Once you build relationships with the guys around you, you’re willing to do more on the field for them.”
Albion San Diego is currently in third place and looking with the potential to finish as the second seed, which would guarantee it a first-round bye in the playoffs. Its recent performances against the top-seeded Cal United Strikers is a major reason why Gabarra feels so optimistic about the rest of the season. After losing the first head-to-head meeting to the Strikers at home on June 10, the team, led by head coach Ziggy Korytoski, earned a 1-1 draw versus its northern rival on Aug. 20 followed by a 2-1 victory on Sept. 17 with both matches played at Championship Stadium in Irvine.
“Going into their house and having the performance we had to come out with the win was a big statement for us,” said Gabarra. “The bye and going straight to the semifinals is huge. You get one less game, you get more rest and you’re at home. Obviously, we’re not looking past games, but the road trip will be a very important stretch.”
In order to get that bye week, the team first has a home game versus Syracuse Pulse before traveling cross-country to play three matches in one week starting on Sept. 28 against Chattanooga FC, Maryland Bobcats on Oct. 1, and Michigan Stars on Oct. 5, closing the regular season at home on Oct. 8 versus Cal United. Kickoff for the game against the Syracuse Pulse this Saturday at Canyon Crest Academy Stadium is set for 6 p.m.
Photo courtesy of David Frerker
