Jake Keegan moves into sole possession of second place on USL League One’s all-time scoring list, while Nacho Abeal nets his first professional goal in the 85th minute to close out the Sharks’ inaugural season.
LANCASTER, California (October 24, 2026) — Corpus Christi FC closed its inaugural USL League One season Saturday night with a 2-2 draw against AV Alta FC at The Hangar, rallying twice to secure a point in its final match of the 2026 campaign.
The Sharks faced an early deficit after AV Alta broke through in the eighth minute. Cesar Bahena delivered a free kick into the heart of the penalty area, where Collin Anderson connected with a header at the back post to put the hosts ahead.
Corpus Christi responded five minutes later. Dominick Bachstein helped advance the ball into the attacking third before Blake Bowen played Jake Keegan into space inside the right side of the box. Keegan fired toward the far upper corner to level the match with his seventh goal of the season.
The finish also marked Keegan’s 39th career USL League One goal, moving him into sole possession of second place on the competition’s all-time scoring list. Bowen recorded his ninth assist of the season and 17th goal contribution, leading the Sharks in both categories.
Corpus Christi seized momentum following the equalizer, recording four consecutive shots over the ensuing seven minutes. However, AV Alta regained the lead just before halftime when Adam Aoumaich carried the ball up the left flank and cut toward the edge of the box before firing a strike inside the post in the 42nd minute.
Trailing 2-1 at the break, the Sharks continued searching for another equalizer after halftime. Nacho Abeal entered at the start of the second half and threatened in the 65th minute, collecting an overhead pass from Keegan before sending his attempt wide of goal.
As the match wore on, both sides traded possession and defended against the opposition’s advances. Corpus Christi finally found its breakthrough in the 85th minute, when Bowen’s corner was cleared toward the top of the box. Abeal collected the loose ball approximately 22 yards from goal and unleashed a low strike toward the left post, beating the diving goalkeeper to level the score.
The goal marked Abeal’s first as a professional, adding to the six assists he recorded during the season. A fan favorite who played for Corpus Christi in USL League Two before making the jump with the club to the professional ranks, Abeal delivered a memorable moment in the season finale.
AV Alta pushed for a late winner, but goalkeeper Mason McCready made two saves on shots on target in the 89th and 90th minutes to preserve the draw.
After the match, Abeal reflected on scoring his first professional goal while helping the Sharks secure a result in their final appearance of the season.
“It felt great to be able to score my first goal as a professional player, especially with this team,” Abeal said. “But it was even better to help the team, whether it was with goals, or defending. I am just happy and proud of the team for fighting back and being able to tie this game.”
Captain Paddy Langlois also reflected on the perseverance the group demonstrated throughout a season filled with challenges.
“This group has been through more than imaginable. There have been so many points in the season where we could have given up,” Langlois said. “But I’m proud of this group for never giving in, and showing so much resilience and always playing with their heart on their sleeve. It’s unfortunate for the group that we didn’t achieve what we wanted, but nevertheless I will always be proud of what we did this year.”
Head coach Eamon Zayed echoed that sentiment, pointing to the team’s growth since opening the campaign with a 2-2 draw away to Naples. While the Sharks faced significant obstacles throughout their first professional season, he said Saturday’s performance reflected a more mature and cohesive group.
“As a first year club, it’s been a decent season. One to build on for sure,” Zayed said. “With a brand new stadium next season, a year of experience under our belts and a year of tremendous learning for everyone involved at the club, 2027 has so much potential and promise.”
The draw brings Corpus Christi’s inaugural USL League One campaign to a close, with the club now turning its attention toward building on the experience gained in 2026 and preparing for the next chapter in 2027.
“Onwards and upwards we go,” Zayed said.
Notable:
- Jake Keegan’s strike in the 13th minute marked his seventh goal of 2026 and 39th career goal in USL League One, moving him into sole possession of second place on the league’s all-time scoring list.
- Blake Bowen recorded his ninth assist of the season on Keegan’s goal, bringing his total to 17 goal contributions.
- Nacho Abeal’s 85th-minute equalizer marked his first goal of the season and his seventh goal contribution overall.
| CORPUS CHRISTI FC | AV ALTA FC | |
| 13 | SHOTS | 10 |
| 4 | SHOTS ON TARGET | 6 |
| 4 | SAVES | 2 |
| 12 | FOULS | 14 |
| 6 | CORNERS WON | 5 |
| 1 | YELLOW CARDS | 1 |
Written by Corpus Christi FC Communications Contributor Nate Martinez
About Corpus Christi FC
CCFC was established in 2017 by Dr. Kingsley Okonkwo. The club previously played in USL League Two, the nation’s leading pre-professional league, and won their first Lone Star Division title in 2024. That same year, Corpus Christi was awarded a USL League One franchise and will kick off its first professional season in 2026. CCFC is building a new home at the Corpus Christi Multi-Sport Complex currently being constructed at 5102 Old Brownsville Road. Phase One of the $28.3 million complex was completed in summer 2025 and a 5,000-seat stadium, which will serve as home for all of the Sharks’ USL League One home games, is currently under construction.
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