FUTBOL SEASON KICKS OFF WITH 7-0 WIN OVER LONG-STANDING GUESTS THE OUTSIDERS
Futbol season returned to SQ April 30. The San Quentin Earthquakes were dominated the visiting Outsiders on a cool Saturday afternoon, kicking off their season with a friendly win against the longtime volunteers — final score, 7-0.
“We got our [expletive] handed to us” Matt Briseno of the Outsiders said. “We want you to know that there are people outside that think of you as people. This is a pleasure for me.”
This was the first game of the 2023 futbol season after a two-year absence related to the pandemic. The match was decidedly stacked against the visitors. Only 11 of the Outsiders made the trip inside the prison. They were outgunned and outmaneuvered by the juggernaut Earthquakes.
The first of the seven goals scored by the ’Quakes came just four minutes into the game. Forward Kolby Southwood sent a booming right kick from the far left into the goal.
The Outsiders were determined to score. Several strong kick-scoring attempts by the visiting team were thwarted by goalie Juan “el bicho” Sanchez. The Outsiders pressed their attack, but the ’Quake defense was strong.
“Thank you for coming in and giving us a good match,” said Earthquakes team captain Ronald Luna. “We appreciate it. Dario, thanks for the gear and making sure we have the equipment. I always look forward to every game with you guys! Thank you!”
The Outsiders had donated new uniforms and equipment to the SQ team this season. They have been doing this regularly since coming into the prison almost a decade ago.
“This is a humbling start for this soccer season. Thank you for having us! The level of sportsmanship is rarely seen outside,” said Outsider Matt McClellan.
Several Earthquake players continued to apply pressure and stop the Outsiders from scoring. But the Outsiders defense could not stop the home team’s coach, Ronald Luna, from kicking one through the back of the goal with a beautiful fake-out that distracted the Outsiders goalie.
Not everything went as planned for the Earthquakes and they made several mistakes. A few high air kicks sent the soccer ball over the prison wall. A couple of the geese got in on the action and ran away, barely escaping soccer balls behind the goal posts.
The Outsider offense came alive in the second half as they began taking more control of the ball.
Outsider Kai Yonezawa brought the ball in and passed to his teammate Sam Heminger. After a foot dance and shuffle-pass back and forth back to Kai, then to left wing, Amar Shaha, the hot kick fired the ball too high and missed.
“We played a proper team today,” said Outsider JP Heinrich. “The work that SQ Earthquakes have put in really shows. Excellent interaction between the opposing players.”
Said Earthquakes forward Ismael Partida, “Thank you for coming and not seeing us as prisoners or inmates.”
