San Francisco secured the first victory in team history on the road last weekend in North Carolina. Here are three things we learned from the game:

1) Marc Dos Santos isn’t afraid to shake things up

For an expansion side, the San Francisco Deltas have had a successful start to the NASL season. The team didn’t lose until the fifth game of the season. They have also played excellent defense and not allowed more than one goal in a match.

However, Dos Santos didn’t hesitate to shake up his starting lineup after a three-game scoreless streak. He switched from a 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2 for the North Carolina game. Devon Sandoval, Tyler Gibson, and Bryan Burke entered the starting line-up replacing Tommy Heinemann, Michael Stephens, and Karl Ouimette.

The changes were positive as the Deltas were able to score two goals and claim the three points on the road. The bench played a large part in the win as well. Michael Stephens, who had started the previous five matches, earned a foul that led to Jackson, who was coming back from a two-game suspension, heading in the game-winning header.

“We need everybody on this team. We’re all going to play an important role. To see the fight and the spirit of the guys is impressive,” explained Dos Santos after the match.

“It takes a mentality that guys fight for each other, and that’s what happened today.”

2) Reiner Ferreira’s goal was well deserved

The leader of the Deltas defense has been captain Nana Attakora. But his most important partner has been the other central defender, Reiner Ferreira. The 31-year old Brazillian has played in many big leagues around the world, including Portugal, South Korea, and Turkey. He has calmly handled his duties and done all the unglamorous work necessary for a defender.

All of his effort this season paid off when Ferreira headed a ball into the net during a corner kick midway through the first half against North Carolina.

Ferreira’s goal score celebration was one of pure joy and elation and was great to watch. It was important to him and to the team. It ended a 292-minute scoreless drought for San Francisco and forced NCFC to chase the lead throughout most of the match.

Video Courtesy NASL.com

3) Christian Portilla can deliver a pinpoint free kick

Life Ferreira, Spaniard Christian Portilla has been one of the quiet stars for the Deltas. He can often be overlooked for his quiet efficiency as the team’s defensive midfielder. The former La Liga player has snuffed out many attacks in the midfield and also has been adept covering back for other defenders who join the attack. He is often the starting point for the team’s offense as well.

We also learned last Saturday how potent he is on free kicks.

Portilla delivered a well-stuck corner kick just in front of the goal that was headed home by Ferriera for the Deltas first goal.

After North Carolina capitalized on a sloppy back pass, Portilla once again came to the rescue.

Shortly after the tying goal the Deltas pressed and earned a foul at midfield. Christian Portilla then lofted a free kick into the box where Jackson whipped in a fierce header past NCFC keeper Brian Sylvestre and into the right corner of the net.

In a game where North Carolina had the better of the possession and chances, it was Portilla’s deadly accuracy on free kicks that helped the Deltas earn three points on the road.

His performance also helped the Portilla earn honors as the NASL player of the week.

The Deltas remain on the road next week taking on FC Edmonton Sunday, May 14th at 2 pm PDT. The game will be available on ESPN3.