The PDL Southern Conference kicked off their 2007 qualifying season with two games on Friday. The El Paso Patriots, always a challenger for an Open Cup spot, got off on the right foot with a 1-0 win over the Austin Lightning. It was an 11th minute penalty kick that proved to be the difference. The Patriots managed to survive the last 15 minutes of the match playing with ten players after Carlos Martinez was sent off.

In the other match down south, the Central Florida Kraze had little trouble with the Bradenton Academics in a 4-1 win at the IMG Soccer Academy.

Friday’s third game was from the PDL Western Conference where the San Fernando Valley Quakes thrashing the Los Angeles Storm 5-0. Oscar Sims scored two goals for the Quakes, and Sung-Hyun Kim added a goal and an assist.

So far in PDL qualifying, we have yet to see a draw in the first five matches. However, there are nine games on tap for the rest of the weekend.