May 7, 2007
SFist Goes to See the California Victory Take On Club Necaxa
This weekend, San Francisco's latest team, the California Victory of the United Soccer League had their inaguaral game and our intrepid photographer, Matt Cohen, was there to take some pictures.
On Saturday, San Francisco's newest professional team, the California Victory played their home opener against Mexican First Division side Club Necaxa at Kezar Stadium. In pre-game ceremonies, Mayor's Liason to District 9 Alfredo Pedroza presented a Certificate of Honor from Mayor Gavin Newsom to Victory owner Dmitry Piterman, and Mexico's Counsel General Jaime Martin cut the ceremonial ribbon to kick off the Victory's season.
The Victory won the physical yet skillful match, 1-0 on a first half goal by defender Kiel McClung off a Ricardo Sanchez free kick. The match saw ten yellow and three red cards along with 15 shots on goal.
The Victory start their regular USL home season on Saturday against the Rochester Raging Rhinos at 7pm at Kezar Stadium. Their schedule features 14 home games and runs through September. For more info about the team visit Californiavictorysoccer.com.
There are more photos after the jump. And if you want to see Matt's whole set, check out his Flickr page.
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Dmitry Piterman owns this team?! Oh christ, this guy is certifiably crazy. He's better known in Spain for owning the recently relegated club side Alaves. Their relegation was due almost entirely to Piterman's madness, hubris, and ineptitude. Check out Sid Lowe's pieces The Guardian (UK) for background on this loon. At least he can't get the SF quasi-pro team relegated.