Deportes Santa Cruz suffered a regrettable narrow defeat on matchday 19 of Primera B. The Union team fell narrowly against Deportes Recoleta in the capital, and once again was unable to score on a pitch where they have never won.
In the first half of the game, the home team dominated. Although the union team tried to play long balls to Mathias Pinto and Uruguayan Diego González Miranda, even scoring on one occasion – an action disallowed due to Pinto’s offside position – there was not much risk generated in the home goal.
On the other hand, Recoleta, with the speed of Víctor Campos and Óscar Salinas, complicated the Santa Cruz defense, where at least in the first 45 minutes, they responded with good coverage and poise from goalkeeper Gonzalo Flores.
Thus, they went into the break with the score at 0-0, but in the second half, everything changed.
HE SEARCHED, BUT DIDN’T FIND
In the second half, the intensity of the home team was immediately evident in the Santa Cruz goal. In the first action that the “Reco” generated, Salinas appeared to score the opening goal in the 51st minute.
At a disadvantage, Santa Cruz had no choice but to go out and look for better luck. For this reason, Peña turned to the bench and with three purely offensive changes – Leandro Barrera, Iván Ledezma and Christopher Ojeda – went all out to try to achieve parity. But, in the same way, the team was left exposed to the attacks of the home team.
Later, Peña tried to change the system again, bringing in Cristian Duma and Gonzalo Lauler, going on to play with three central defenders and thus giving more play to his offensive elements. But, with the changes, it was a little more difficult for him to get close to Ignacio Sáez’s goal.
Unfortunately, luck was not on the side of Santa Cruz, as in the last chance of the match a half-volley by Ojeda ended with the ball hitting the crossbar.
A tough defeat for Santa Cruz, who with this loss remained stuck at 24 points and could not get close to the playoff spots.
The next challenge for Peña’s team will be next weekend, when they will have to visit Unión San Felipe.
Match Sheet
Recoleta Sports (1): Coach: Luis Landeros.
Santa Cruz Sports (0): Coach: Hernan Pena.
Referees: Matias Quila, John Calderon, Mario Lagos, Hernan Banda.
Cautioned: Carvajal, Estigarribia (REC); González T., Pinto, González M. (DSC).
Goals: 1-0, 51′, Salinas.
Estadio: Leonel Sanchez, Recoleta.
Public: 100 spectators.
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