With Nor'West coming into this game on a three game unbeaten streak (and scoring 10 goals in those three games), one might wonder that they just might pose a challenge to AEK.   AEK was sporting a 5-0-1 record however and was coming off a 3-0 victory over L.A. Juventus on the 23rd of June.  AEK had also only let in 4 goals in six regular season games so it would appear that the Nor'West strikers would have their work cut out for them on this particular evening.   Play was typical in the early going with brisk back and forth play occurring throughout the midfield areas with few whistles.  It wasn't long though before AEK began to put some pressure on the Nor'West goal.  AEK earned several corner kicks within the 20 minute mark and although Nor'West counter attacked with drives up field of their own, the team in green found difficulty in generating any significant offensive threats or shots on goal.  Indeed for the bulk of the game AEK effectively kept Nor'West strikers outside the 18 yard box when making their shots.   At the 30 minute mark it was AEK's # 10 Mike Skaleris penetrating the zone and working the ball in from the right into the left corner of the net just beyond the keeper's reach.  This made it 1-0 AEK.  Nor'West responded with some fine drives up field into AEK territory, that demonstrated some fine ball handling and passing abilities, however at 44 minutes it was again AEK as their # 2, Ted Mihalopulos found himself all alone about 16 yards in front of the centre of the net burying home a goal that made it 2-nil just before the break.
Nor'West came out with renewed intensity in the second half and no player appeared to be giving anything less than total effort.  Unfortunately for them, however, AEK maintained their advantage in offensive and defensive strategy and perhaps overall confidence as well.  AEK generated opportunity after offensive opportunity during the half and kept the able Nor'West keeper very busy making all manner of saves, tackles and clears.   Nor'West would respond in form with their own drives up field, but simply fell short of generating any real threats on the AEK goal until at least the final ten minutes of the match.  At 79 minutes it was AEK's #4, Dimitri Alexiou making a fine individual effort driving in from the right side and penetrating in towards the goal line.  He ultimately outmaneuvered the Nor'West keeper and rolled a shot in unopposed.  Moments later Nor'West finally connected as their # 22, Mark Alpen kicked in a fine cross originating from the right from within a crowd right out in front of the AEK goal.  The shutout was denied but with the final whistle AEK maintained their position high atop the Divisional standings.  JHS