Shavon John-Brown scores tough goal to lead Central Valley to 1-0 win over Spokane Velocity

From staff reports

FRESNO, Calif. — The USL has bolded two points in its revised rules description for the Jagermeister Cup. The first reading: “an emphasis on goals.”

The Spokane Velocity likely didn’t get the memo.

Spokane lost 1-0 to Central Valley Fuego at Fresno State Soccer Stadium on Friday, marking Velocity’s third straight loss in the regular season.

Velocity (1-3-2) has scored just two goals in its last four Jagermesiter Cup games and is all but eliminated with two games remaining. Spokane was eliminated earlier in the day for the Group 3 win after Northern Union defeated Omaha 2-0.

That means the Velocity can only advance by scoring the most goals among the non-group winners. Omaha has a strong lead with 12, while the Velocity has 6.

Fuego (1-1-4) also failed to win the group. They came closer to the lead (eight) thanks to Shavon John-Brown’s goal in the 53rd minute.

John-Brown cleared a corner near the end line after the pass had passed a crowd of players in the middle of the penalty area. John-Brown opted for a shot, despite a difficult angle, and scored into the top of the net past a closing defender and keeper Brooks Thompson, who appeared surprised by the goal.

Thompson made seven saves in his second straight start, replacing Carlos Merancio in the lineup on July 6.

Velocity were outscored 18-9 (8-2 on goal) but still had a good chance to score. Fuego defenders cleared two shots off their goal line.

Spokane returns to USL League One action on July 27, hosting the Charlotte Independence at ONE Spokane Stadium at 7:00 p.m.