A shorthanded start for Reds

Without foursome, Yakima no match for 2009 champs ||

YAKIMA, Wash. — About the only thing that went the Yakima Reds’ way in the first half Saturday evening at Marquette Stadium was a stiff breeze out of the north.

But the visiting Kitsap Pumas didn’t let the wind in their faces stop them from taking an early three-goal lead on their way to a 4-0 victory in the season opener for both teams.

The Pumas' Nik Besagno collides with the Reds' Bruno Olimene in the first half of their May 1, 2010 match in Yakima,Wash. (Gordon King/Yakima Herald-Republic)

Prior to kickoff, the Reds learned that four of their international players could not play due to paperwork problems with the soccer associations in their home countries.

Abdulwali Aman, a forward from Ethiopia, Claudio Lazar, a goalkeeper from Romania, and Dalibor Omazic, a midfelder from Bosnia, were slated to start for the Reds; while Maycon Malta, a Brazilian defender, was supposed to be a substitute.

“It’s not good,” coach Alex Silva said after the game. “It’s not what we prepared for.

“It’s unfortunate, but there’s nothing we can do about it,” he said.

The players are practicing with the team and will be eligible as soon as they are cleared by their home countries.

The absences forced Yakima to go with a starting formation of four defenders, five midfielders and one striker.

In front of an estimated crowd of 500, Kitsap pounced with sixth- and 12th-minute goals from Matt Friesen sandwiching a Robby Christner tally in the ninth minute.

“We were too soft in the first 11 minutes,” Silva said. “That’s what happens.”

But it could have been worse, Kitsap had six other shots in the first half that were stopped by Reds goalkeeper Mauricio Sanchez.

Kitsap dominated possession in the first half, keeping the ball at their end for the majority of the first 45 minutes and allowed Yakima just three shots before the break.

In the second half, however, the Reds appeared to regroup.

“We had more pressure,” Silva said. “We had some adjustments to make and we didn’t have time to figure them out (in the first half). It took some time to adjust.”

East Valley graduate Kurt Russell, a halftime substitute, almost paid immediate dividends for the Reds (0-1) with a shot in the 53rd minute.

Yakima’s lone forward, Vini Oliveira, also had two good chances in the second half.

Jason Cascio scored in the 80th minute to complete the scoring for the defending Northwest Division champion Pumas (1-0).

Despite the final margin, the Reds coach remained upbeat.

“It was a good test. Good to face them right away and see what we will face this season,” Silva said. “We’re not giving up.”

Yakima’s next game will be May 15 at Marquette Stadium, hosting the Victoria Highlanders.

First half: 1, Kitsap, Matt Friesen, 6:00; 2, Kitsap, Robby Christner, 9:00; 3, Kitsap, Friesen, 12:00.

Second half: 4, Kitsap, Jason Cascio, 80:00.

Saves—Dustyn Brim (K) 4, Garrett Staples (K) 5, Mauricio Sanchez (Y) 11. Shots—Kitsap 15, Yakima 9. Fouls—Kitsap 4, Yakima 5. Yellow cards—Kitsap 0, Yakima 2.