The San Diego Sparks fell to the San Diego United 2-1 in a close non-divisional match on Dec. 11 at Robb Field in Ocean Beach. It was the ninth game of their season competing in the San Diego County Soccer League (SDCSL). The Sparks play in the Third Division, while the San Diego United competes in the First Division.

“The Sparks’ opening-game play surprised the first division team by pressing at their goal for the first 20 minutes,” Sparks coach Leslie Randolph said. “However, they were unable to score during those first moments when they had a psychological advantage.”

Both teams played good defense from the beginning, keeping tight control of the ball and passing effectively. The United was passing a bit more effectively and used those passes to capitalize on every opening the San Diego Sparks presented them. Good goal-tending by the San Diego Sparks kept the United from scoring several times.

Fast drives by both teams kept the ball traveling back and forth the length of the field, without many shots on goal. San Diego United scored at the end of one particularly fast drive and managed to squeeze past the Sparks goalie for a 1-0 lead.

The Sparks regrouped with a drive of their own, but could not get past the United’s defense. A quick steal brought the ball back to the United, who attempted another shot on goal to lead 2-0. A third drive within the next five minutes brought the United again within scoring range, but strong defense and a quick deflect by the goalie kept a third score from landing before halftime.

During the second half, the Sparks rallied and tried even harder to find the holes in the United’s defense. They succeeded about halfway through the second half and immediately set the United on their heels. As the Sparks pressed on, they continued to drive toward the United’s goal and came within striking distance on several more occasions. Feeling additional pressure from the Sparks during these plays, several United players got a bit more vocal and even started questioning good calls by the referee. After a few minutes of grumbling, the rest of the team was able to calm down the frustrated United players and the game continued with the skill and focus that they had showed in the first half. The Sparks scored and were able to cut the deficit to one goal.

“The United was able to use quick one-touch accurate passes to control the ball, elude defenders and ultimately score,” Randolph said. “However, the close 2-1 finish demonstrated the Sparks’ tenacity and ability to compete with this first division team.”

The Sparks’ overall record now stands at 3-5-1 and 2-4-1 in the SDCSL’s Third Division.

Randolph said injuries to various players have affected their offensive output so far this season. In nine games played, the Sparks have scored 17 goals. Three of their losses have only been by one goal.

“We’re kind of like the Chargers. We’ve had good, tough games that we’ve lost very narrowly,” he said. “We haven’t had – on any of the occasions – a full assortment of our team out there. People have sustained injuries.”

Forward Eric Eiben has been a dominant offensive force for the Sparks but has been sitting out with a knee injury. Goalie Chris Harrison has been out of action with a thigh injury. Randolph said he hopes Eiben will be back after the holidays.

The Sparks next take on Detox United in a Third Division match at Robb Field on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 2:30 p.m. For more information and directions, visit the Sparks’ Web site at www.sparkssoccer.org.

Practices are held at Robb Field from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. on Fridays.

“We are still desperately trying to recruit players, who would enhance and enliven our Friday night practices and allow us greater choice in shaping a well practiced and effective team,” Randolph said.

The Sparks have not yet determined whether the team would be competing in Montreal’s Outgames or Chicago’s Gay Games next July, he added.