SAN DIEGO (October 29, 2023) – No. 4 seed ALBION San Diego (ASD) moved on to the semi-finals of the 2023 National Independent Soccer Association playoff with a penalty kicks win here over No. 5 seed Maryland Bobcats FC (MBFC). After 30 extra minutes of no goals, it was a 8-7 outcome from 12 yards that clinched it for the home side.

In penalties, the clubs traded makes over the first seven rounds. After F Aleksandar Gluvacevic made an eighth for ASC, K Ben Roach made a save on his MBFC counterpart Alex Sutton to seal the match.

It was a defensive battle for the length of the night with neither club maintaining possession for very long. Both F Shinya Kadono and D Anthony Patti of ASD had chances in the second half. Then, in the 84th minute, Philip Brown picked up his second yellow giving ASD a one-man advantage.

While the first extra period didn’t have flow, the second saw a handful of chances by both sides as the match opened up – including an out front one-timer by Darwin Espinal that cleared the crossbar.

ASD now waits to see who wins between third-seeded Los Angeles Force and sixth-seeded Flower City Union tonight in Los Angeles to determine the semi-final matchups. Chattanooga FC will host the lower seed Sunday, Nov. 5. Michigan Stars FC will host the higher seed Saturday, Nov. 4.