2015 SEASON STARTS WITH SEMI FINAL FOR FUTSOC FUTALAN U18 AT WEST PINES CLASSIC

FUTSOC FUTALAN U18 2015 REACHES SEMI-FINALS OF WEST PINES CLASSIC

After only two weeks of training, the FUTSOC FUTALAN U18 squad entered the prestigious local event - West Pines Classic, to give start to the season. With conditioning still in its first phase and player positioning still being determined, the results were very positive, as we opened with a 2::1 victory over SWFL Adrenaline Academy. The strong, disciplined opponent dominated most of the action in the first half, only to have FUTALAN turn the tables and fully assert its dominance in the second half with short passing, misdirection and tight space maneuvering! Two second half goals of a free kick and a cross into the penalty box sealed the victory. We could have added three more scores on near misses and posts, but the result still held.

The second game clearly played against us, when we agreed to a time and date switch in order to accommodate the tournament, resulting in back to back games against our opponent who had almost a full day between matches. Clearly at a disadvantage with this inequity, and a highly questionable red card issued within the first five minutes against one of our players and a penalty kick ten minutes later, proved a huge set-back as we went down 0::1 in the first half. We did tie the score in the second half on a brilliant steal from our attacking players on a poor goal kick. Gradually, our players began to falter with the exhaustion and playing a man down, and the opponent added another score to make it 1::2. With time running short, we went on the offensive and of course that opens the opportunity on counter attack for the opponent, which added two more scores for a final 1::4 result.

The final match still gave us mathematical opportunities to move into the championship match from our group, and with a 6::0 thrashing of Miramar United Elite FC Black in the semi-finals. Unfortunately, the team that had to tie, actually won its match 3::2, and moved into the final and ultimately won the event.

It was an excellent overall performance by our squad, setting the tone for the season and providing a great insight into our present state entering the upcoming tournament season. Congratulations to all the boys and coaches!

2015/16 FUTALAN – West Pines Classic (18): Orel Cohen, Alejandro Pages, Keon Waite, Edgar Montero, Daniel Atilano, Elijah Kerr, Bruno Giacomelli, Bruno Saade, Karl Ackermann, Joao Lacerda, Ignacio Cidad, Marco Werhahn, Carlos Pan, German Dominguez, Arturo Cabre, Brice Johnson, Landon Lupo and Samuel Lugo.

Record: 2-1-0 (Semi-Finalist)

GF 9 / GA 5