FUTSOC FUTALAN GIVES STRONG PERFORMANCE AT WESTON CUP & SHOWCASE

Click Here for Image Gallery

Last week the FUTSOC FUTALAN U14 played at the Weston Cup. This was a great test for this team, considering it was only their second tournament together this season. The team performed beautifully, as they played the FUTSOC way – ball possession and circulation on the ground with minimal touches. With great playmaking and understanding, there performances reflected the fact of their having played for a couple of years together now. Furthermore, a lineup which included new additions to the team, along with support from our permanent guest players who well know our style of play on the field, the results were excellent.

For the first match, the team played Wellington U14 at Weston Regional Park, a team we had played in our first tournament at the Palm Beach Classic in January. Just as before, they were a team with strong and quick players; however, we matched up well with our control of the ball and strong attack with Gustavo and Lucas connecting extremely well. The match had been a tough one, but it was one that we had a good control over, with the only trouble being the strong defense of the Wellington U14 which didn’t allow us many opportunities. FUTSOC dominated for most of the game, with our inability to score being the only part missing from our game. With about 10 minutes to go in the match, the Wellington team sent a through ball right in between our stoppers, where their forward took control and shot over the outstretched hands of our keeper Ricardo to score the goal. Final score was 0::1 in a heartbreaking loss!

The next day we played at Pine Island Park against a solid Miami Lakes squad, a team very similar to us in the way they play and the talent they possess. This match resulted much more difficult because of the opposing teams’ higher level of talent and the similar play style. Though we played with a team that was composed mostly of U13 players, the boys did not back down from the challenge of playing the older stronger players. In fact, the U13 players on the squad were most eager to face the challenge to play in the U14 bracket of the tournament. Miami Lakes started strong with many attacking plays that reached the goal, however these were aptly defended by our other keeper Rafael. The match was a battle and as a fan of the sport, it was a very enjoyable contest to watch. On a scramble in front of the goal, their defense attempted to clear out the ball, however, it hit the crossbar and deflected into the net. Despite a continual attack and counter attack from both teams, the score held up, resulting in a 1::0 victory for our young squad!

This same day, we played Doral FC at the same field with a chance to advance to the final with a win in this third group match. The Doral team was much like the Miami Lakes squad, only possessing even bigger and stronger players. However, as before, we did not submit to this disadvantage, contesting every ball and every attacking play. With key changes to our defensive alignment due to injuries sustained in the earlier match, we managed to keep the opposing attack at bay for most of the match. Regardless, that did not stop them entirely from creating dangerous chances, as their next solid opportunity came with a shot outside the box - a very tough shot to block as the power behind it forced its way through goalkeeper Ricardo’s hands and into the back of the next. The half ended 0::1, with Doral FC in the lead. The second half we again were forced to play with a stubborn defense as they were intent on making it to the Weston Cup Final just as we were. With goalkeeper Rafael in the net, many of the shots by the opposition were easily dealt with (aided by his longer reach). We had our chances to score on multiple occasions, but with our young attack and their older, faster defense, it became difficult to finish combination plays for scores.

In summary, playing an age group up with one of South Florida’s toughest clubs at the youth level was sufficient challenge. Only in last twenty minutes were Doral FC able to increase their lead to 0::2 and eventually win the match, advancing to the final. This U13/14 team we took to the Weston Cup was a great team to have coached in the tournament and in the practices leading up to the tournament. These boys played with great determination, resolve and passion, and showed great character in not giving up in any of the matches! We are very proud of this team’s performances at this event, and the progress continues to show!! Congratulations!

WESTON CUP ROSTER – U13/14

Ricardo Bowen, Ramiro Renom, Carlos Navarro, Jurgen Ramos, Alejandro Stoler, Rafael Ferrer, Agustin Gonzalez, Gustavo Curiel, Miguel Valle, Romario Noriega, Mateo Hernamdez, Nicolas Oliva, Lucas Larocca, Moshe Mesika, Pedro De Oliveria, Daniel Antal, Jerad Kahn, Rafael Martins