Soccer: Jerusalem stays top as Anglo League heats up

Soccer Jerusalem stays

By DANIEL ORKIN
Ra'anana continued to show improvement in its first home game of the season, losing 4-2 to league leader Jerusalem on Sunday. Having matched Jerusalem in the center of the field, and missed some early chances, the hosts drew first blood after 10 minutes with midfielder Avi Cohen applying the final touch from inside the six yard box. Ra'anana's advantage lasted until just before half-time when Jerusalem used its strength from corners to score two goals in quick succession. Ra'anana forced its way back into the match with a flowing move that was powerfully dispatched by Eitan Kernakovsky on his debut. It took a wonderful curled shot into the top corner to restore Jerusalem's lead, and then a second headed goal by Raffi Wreschner - again from a corner - sealed the points. "That's the toughest game we've had yet" said Dan Kosky, Jerusalem's commanding central defender. In the night's other game, Modi'in overcame injuries and a spirited Bet Shemesh side to win 8-3 at home. Bet Shemesh and Ra'anana are rooted to the bottom of the league standings, having yet to claim any points. FC Jaffa, a new expansion team, kicks off its league campaign in two weeks with an away tie at Bet Shemesh.