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Unbeaten Fusion hands Bakersfield its first loss
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More from SoccerThe Ventura County Fusion took sole possession of first place in the Premier Development League's Southwest Conference with a come-from-behind 2-1 win over the previously undefeated Bakersfield Brigade on Saturday night at Bakersfield Christian High.
Alfonso Montagalvan and Mark Draycott scored first-half goals as the Fusion overcame going behind in the 17th minute in a battle of the division's only 2-0 sides.
"We're always looking for excellence," said Fusion coach Graham Smith. "So I'm delighted with the three points."
The Fusion (3-0) has taken a perfect nine points from its first three matches of the season entering this afternoon's crunch away match at the San Jose Frogs, the third of four qualifiers for the U.S. Open Cup.
Bakersfield took a 1-0 lead on Moy Gomez's open shot off an attacking throw in.
But the Fusion, playing without the injured duo of defender Greg Folk and Jason Leopoldo, quickly responded.
Montagalvan's diving header from Nick Perera's far-post cross equalized in the 35th minute.
Eight minutes later, Draycott followed up midfielder Eric Avila's blistering shot with a header for his fourth goal in three matches.
Montagalvan, center back Dillon Barna and midfielder Varden Adzemian were recalled after starting the team's home opener against San Fernando Valley on the bench.
In search of a clinching goal on the break, Smith introduced fleet attackers Gabe Farfan, Diego Barrera and John Massaquoi in the second half.
Bakersfield pressed for an equalizer in the final 15 minutes, but the Fusion fought and was fortunate to hold out for the victory.
"I was very pleased with the application of the players under extreme circumstances," said Smith. "Not many teams are going to come here and get a result."
The team planned to stay overnight in Fresno before finishing the trip north in the morning, before the second crunch game in less than 20 hours against the Frogs.
"All the players gave their all," said Smith, "but you're always mindful that we'll need fresh legs (today)."
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