AV ALTA FC edged Spokane Velocity FC 1–0 in USL League One on Saturday, with Collin Anderson scoring the only goal of the game in the 79th minute.
The first half offered little to separate the two sides, though the match grew increasingly physical as it wore on. AV ALTA FC picked up the first of what would be a busy night for the referee's notebook when Miguel Pajaro was cautioned in the 41st minute.
The cards kept coming after the break. Brian Kleiban was booked in the 57th minute, Santiago Higareda followed three minutes later, and Kaloyan Pehlivanov joined them in the 64th. Osvaldo Lay made it five yellows for AV ALTA FC by the 69th minute — a remarkable tally that suggested the hosts were doing whatever it took to keep Spokane at bay.
The breakthrough finally arrived with 11 minutes remaining. Anderson finished off a Jerry Desdunes delivery to give AV ALTA FC the lead, and ultimately the three points. It was a moment of quality in a match that had been defined more by fouls than finesse.
Spokane pushed late but could not find an equalizer. Gagi Margvelashvili picked up a yellow card deep in stoppage time as frustration set in for the visitors, who left with nothing to show for their efforts.
The narrow win gives AV ALTA FC a valuable three points as the League One season moves deeper into the summer stretch, while Spokane Velocity will look to regroup quickly on the road.
USL League One