Orange County.  Land of the Disney, and home of the Orange County Blue Stars!  The Seals travel to sunny Southern California for their next match against the Orange County Blue Stars on Saturday June 30th, to close out a tough month for the Seals. 

 

After going 3-2-0 in May, the Seals struggled to find the net in June.  "We had nine goals in May, but only one in June" lamented Tom Simpson, General Manager and Coach for the Seals.  A key injury to striker Carlos Diaz has really had an impact.  "Carlos is creative and dangerous on top" added Simpson. "He helps to create opportunities for others, and without him there, we have struggled."

 

In spite of the struggles, the Seals have never felt they were really out played in any match so far this season.  Well, ok, San Jose Frogs fans . . . except for THAT game.  In the Seals five losses, only one had been by more than one goal, and that was a loss against the Fresno Fuego who were awarded 3 penalties in less that 15 minutes.  "We felt we had not been outplayed in any game until the San Jose match last weekend.  They had a great game, and took it to us," stated Simpson.

 

In Orange County, the results have been similar.  The Blue Star have played 8 games so far, and the Seals 9.  The Blue Star are 1-5-2, to the Seals 3-5-1.  Both teams are nearly identical in goals for and against, with the Blue Star allowing three fewer goals against, but the Seals scoring three more than the Blue Star.  "Whenever you travel, you expect a tough match, and the game in Orange County will be no exception" states Simpson.

 

Don't count the Seals out of the season yet, though.  The Seals have seven games left this season, with a maximum 21 point possibility.  There are only four teams ahead of the Seals with more than a six point lead.  Of those, only one team has more than 5 games left in their season.  The Seals will get a shot at all of them.

 

The next home game is July 14th, against the LA Storm.  "The match will be our only regular season match in the East Bay this season" noted Paul Sheirich, Seals Director of Marketing & Sales.  "The game is a fundraiser for the Mount Diablo Soccer League (MDSL), and funds raised through ticket sales and concessions will benefit the MDSL Player Financial Aid Program.  This is a great opportunity to see a top level soccer match, and help youth soccer.  The Seals are really pleased to be working with MDSL for the match." 

 

July will be a tough month, with six matches in three weeks, but the matches will be exciting and important.  We hope to see you there!

---