:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50256553/i-sG3vrfQ-X3.0.0.jpg)
The Swope Park Rangers claimed their second straight victory at home Saturday when they defeated San Antonio FC 2-1. Dane Kelly and Mark Anthony Gonzalez both scored to come from behind after a first half deficit.
The first half was relatively even with the Rangers getting the better of the play but San Antonio keeper Matt Cardone kept the home team off the scoreboard. The visitors took the lead in the 30th minute when the Rangers defense broke down for a moment.
A poor clearance fell to Danny Garcia who played it back in to Michael Reed at the edge of the box. Reed's quick turn set him up for a near post shot beating Rangers' keeper Zac Lubin to give San Antonio the lead.
Looking back at the first half, Rangers head coach Marc Dos Santos observed, "We weren't playing an excellent game in the last third, we weren't finding options, the pieces in the last third we not connecting." It did not let it worry him though, "We were very calm at half time."
The Rangers made adjustments in the second half and turned up the pressure. Aryton came in and created havoc in the San Antonio defense, eventually crossing a ball between two defenders to find Dane Kelly in the box where he headed it in off of the crossbar in the 71st minute.
When Dane Kelly had subbed in, the Rangers went to a two forward system and for the second straight game both forwards scored. Mark Anthony Gonzalez crashed the box when Tyler Pasher shot and put the rebound in the goal from close range in the 84th minute.
Despite San Antonio turning up the pressure, Gonzalez's goal held up for the win moving the Rangers to 8-8-4 and seventh spot in the Western Conference.
A good reaction
"It was a very good reaction," Dos Santos stated after the match. "For the first time this year we come back from being down one to nothing and we score two goals. Overall it was good, overall it was an important win. Two teams that are very close in the playoffs. I think the highlight is this month was an excellent month for us."
A good combination
Last game Aryton came off the bench and quickly got two assists to put the game out of reach and this match he came off the bench to turn up the pressure and got the assist on the first goal.
It's also the second game that both Kelly and Gonzalez scored. "With great support we have behind us, getting great service like we got from Aryton and we keep finishing our chances we'll have a good a shot," Gonzalez noted.
Kelly had missed a good chunk of the early season and Gonzalez was asked about working with his fellow forward. "Since Dane has come back he's getting better and better each game, each practice. It's good to have both of us up top, it's dangerous I think," Gonzalez replied with a smile.