Friday Double
Legion vs SSA (x2)
The Southern Soccer Academy came to town yesterday, bringing their squads to face the Three Sparks, and the Hammers.
Ladies first. The Three Sparks started the action for the day with an afternoon game. SSA had a very slow start to their season, not scoring a goal until their third game. With a 5-0 thrashing of Athens United (who gave up a whopping 15 goals in the game before that), SSA arrived with more confidence. They got on the board first and carried a 2-1 lead into halftime. The Three Sparks reorganized and shut down SSA in the second half, and found a late equalizer. Final score 2-2.
The Hammers came into this match after a bjg Wed night win against Dothan. SSA had given up nine goals total in their two most recent games - both games against Asheville City. Their only other game was a draw vs Dothan. SSA got one in early, and then Legion 2 thought they had the equalizer just before halftime, off of a set piece. But the goal was disallowed for contact with the keeper. In the second half the Hammers pressed forward looking for chances to score, but left themselves exposed to counter-attacks. SSA took full advantage, and scored four more goals. Legion 2 lost 0-5.


Where did the "Three Sparks" team name come from? The USL League Two team names are particularly colorful! I just looked up the Marietta, GA-based SSA squad: their men's and women's teams are called respectively the Kings and Royals! And their team logo features a royal-looking lion!