Kyle Bekker, Deltas Make Positive Start To 2017 Season
The San Francisco Deltas opened up their inaugural campaign at the historic Kezar Stadium against Indy Eleven on Saturday, March 25. The Deltas earned their first point in team history with a 1-1 draw.
It was Canadian international Kyle Bekker, who etched his name in the history books with the club’s first goal. And, in some ways, it was according to plan.
“It was something we were working on all week,” Bekker told NASL.com. “We knew the way they played that if we can, on the counter, go from one side to the other quickly we’d have some space.
“I saw Kenny [Teijsse] wide and tried to get him the ball as quick as possible. Danny [Cruz] did a great job going 1-v-1. It was a good feeling.”
San Francisco was unable to hold onto the lead gained in the 31st minute when Tanner Thompson headed home for his first professional goal. While the club didn’t secure all three points, plenty of positives abound from the first official 90 minutes.
“It’s something we can build off of,” Bekker said. “We’re upset with just getting the point because I think the group that Marc [Dos Santos, Deltas coach] and Todd [Dunivant, Director of Business and Soccer Operations] put together is a very competitive group of guys. It’s a good bunch of guys who have been in the NASL, a few guys have played overseas, so there’s a lot of experience in the team.”
The club can also take plenty of positives away from going toe to toe with last year’s runner-up.
“Those guys were the runner-up last year so it was massive for us,” Bekker said.
Bekker has been aided in his time in San Francisco by familiar faces from his time with Canada’s national team like Nana Attakora and Karl Ouimette, while Dos Santos hails from Montreal.
“There’s a bunch of guys who I’ve played with before,” Bekker said. “Any time you’re coming into a new set up that gives you some extra comfort.”
The city of San Francisco itself has also been a welcoming place for Bekker and his Deltas teammates.
“San Francisco is an amazing city," he said. "The fans were awesome. All the players, we appreciate it. The support they showed us on Saturday was great. Hopefully we can grow the sport in this city.”
Bekker and the Deltas return to the field at Kezar Stadium on Saturday, April 8, against North Carolina FC.
