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Fusion hopes to continue playoff push
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More from SoccerFive matches remain in the Premier Development League season and the Ventura County Fusion remain in striking distance.
If the Fusion (5-3-3) wins tonight at the eighth-place Southern California Seahorses (2-6-3), it will pull into playoff position, even with second-place Los Angeles with 21 points.
The first-place Fresno Fuego have 26 points, but they have played two more matches than the Fusion. The top two teams in the Southwest Division qualify for the postseason.
"It's exciting," said general manager Ranbir Shergill. "It's getting down to the wire. It's nice to be in this position as we come in toward the end of the season."
While the standings may predict success, the Fusion, which has handed first-place Fresno two of its three losses, must perform better against the lower reaches of the Southwest Division.
The Fusion suffered a stinging setback in last weekend's 1-1 draw with ninth-place Lancaster (2-7-2).
For the second straight match, the Fusion will be without goalkeeper Logan Frank, who sustained a concussion in the June 21 win at Fresno. Attacking brothers Gabe and Michael Farfan are away on trial with a professional club in Austria.
"I feel a lot better," said Frank. "I'll be back at training on Monday."
But the Fusion will welcome back its captain and most versatile player, Alfonso Motalgalvan, after a one-game absence.
The Fusion women fell to 1-8-1 Thursday after a 3-0 loss to Seattle. Chalise Baysa scored two of the three Sounders goals.
The teams will play the final home doubleheader of the season Sunday, July 13, at Buena High.
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