Recap: One Knox defeats Central Valley Fuego behind a goal from its newest signing
On Saturday night, One Knoxville SC snapped its four-game losing streak with a 1-0 victory over Central Valley Fuego FC in Fresno, California.
The night’s hero was newly signed forward Rodolfo Castro, who was announced as the newest member of One Knox hours before kickoff. He scored the game-winner in stoppage time to get Knoxville’s first win since June 17.
“It was exciting to sign for Knoxville. As soon as I met everybody, they welcomed me with open arms,” Castro said. “So, as I’m about to take the PK, it was good to know that my teammates had my back, which create a calm environment for me to put the ball in the back of the net.”
The game was physical. Even though One Knox had 58.2% possession in the first period, it was a rough time on the ball. The teams combined for 13 first-half fouls and 14 shots, with none on target. This trend would continue into the second half, but the sides went into halftime knotted up at 0-0.
The second half increased in intensity from an offensive perspective and in how the game was played. The tone was set early by Fuego forward Maximus Ekk, who ran into goalkeeper Sean Lewis after he had possession of the ball. The foul earned him a straight red card in the 51st minute, leaving Central Valley down to 10 men.
One Knox couldn’t capitalize on the advantage while they had it. They shot nine times and put three on target, while Fuego only had three shots the whole half. However, One Knox couldn’t find the first goal.
The man-up advantage for One Knox disappeared in the 82nd minute. Defender Dani Fernandez drew a second yellow and a red card after committing a tactical foul on a breakaway.
Despite the chaos, the breakthrough for One Knox finally came in the 89th minute. Forward Gio Calixtro drew a penalty in the box after Fuego defender Jesus Partida slid into his legs. Up stepped Castro, who slotted the penalty into the left side to seal One Knox’s first victory in eight matches.
“It feels good to be able to get the win,” Castro said. “It was a team effort as we were able to get into a good spot to have Gio draw the PK.”
One Knox moves to 25 points and eighth in the table with 21 games played. Central Valley remains tied for last in the standings with 16 points.
One Knox’s next match comes next Saturday against Union Omaha in Werner Park. Kickoff is at 8:00 p.m. EST and will be streamed on ESPN+.
