22 Mar 2009

Caracas FC got back to winning ways on Sunday at the UCV’s Olympic Stadium with a 3-1 triumph over Carabobo FC, giving the team confidence as they await an upcoming crunch game against fierce rivals and current league champions Deportivo Táchira, knowing already they will go to San Cristobal with a four point advantage over the black and golds.

Both sides on Sunday went in search of a win, Carabobo FC with new manager Saúl Maldonado at the helm wanting all three points to help lift them clear of the drop zone having gained only two points all season, while the Avila Reds were trying once again to find the road to victory following last week’s loss to Estudiantes de Mérida.

It was pretty much end to end stuff from the start but on 18 minutes Caracas FC got the party going when they took the lead.

A Darío Figueroa corner was met by Rolando Suarez who didn’t have a clear shot at goal but when the ball fell in the box to Jesús Gómez his right foot did the rest to put the Avila Reds 1-0 up.

The opening goal upset the burgundy-shirted Carabobo FC’s game plan with the side now leaving gaps and allowing the chance of a second strike. That came via the penalty spot in the 32nd minute when a push on Jaime Bustamante provided Darío Figueroa with the opportunity to slot home the second goal just inside the right hand post.

Just two minutes later, Rolando Suarez  made it 3-0. Following a move between Gómez and Figueroa, Suarez collected the ball and brushed aside two defenders before belting the ball into the left-hand corner of the net.

With the three goal advantage, the Avila Reds played out the second half taking control, keeping possession, and looking to build on the score against a side which had already lost heart.

The home side had several chances but Carabobo FC ´keeper Madrigal managed to deny efforts from Guillermo Ramírez, Jesús Gómez, Rolando Suarez and Edder Perez.

With just two minutes left to play, the visitors managed to pull back a goal when Guillermo Ramírez was penalised in the box giving Pablo Aranda the chance from the penalty spot to blast his effort inside the right-hand post for the final 3-1 scorline.

In this way, the Reds move on to 22 points with a clear lead over second place Deportivo Táchira as the two sides prepare to face each other in the 11th round of the Clausura tournament on Sunday, 5th April with, before that, next weekend dedicated to FIFA World Cup qualifying around the globe.

LINE UPS:

Caracas FC: Renny Vega, Guillermo Ramírez, Jaime Bustamante, Deivis Barone, Gabriel Cichero, Franklin Lucena, Edgar Jiménez, Darío Figueroa (Rolando Escobar 67 min.), Jesús Gómez (Edder Pérez 75 min), Jamerson Rentería (Zamir Valoyes 48 min), Rolando Suarez.

Carabobo FC: Junior Madrigal, Jean González, Norman Baquero, Jhony Peroso, José Rodríguez, Pablo Aranda, Mario Bosetti, Luis Seijas, Luis Zuleta (Louis Sarmiento 68 min.), Sebastián Domínguez, Johan Marín (Pierre Pluchino 45+1 min.).

Goals: Jesús Gómez 18 min; Darío Figueroa 32 min (P); Rolando Suarez 34 min (CFC); Pablo Aranda 88 min. (P). (CBFC)

Yellow Cards: Luis Zuleta 34 min; Pierre Pluchino 66 min; José Rodríguez 78 min; Mario Bosetti 83 min (CBFC). Renny Vega 74 min; Jesús Gómez 75 min; Gabriel Cichero 88 min. (CFC).