FUTSOC THOROUGHLY DOMINATES U20 BARBADOS NATIONAL TEAM

FUTSOC CONTINUES DOMINATION OF ITS OPPONENTS, SECURING A CONVINCING VICTORY OVER U-20 BARBADOS NATIONAL TEAM, AT THE CARIBBEAN AMERICAN SOCCER ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT

Today the vaunted FUTSOC, comprised of our younger players ranging from U16 to U19, took on the highly respected U20 Barbados National team, in first round action at the Caribbean American Soccer Association (CASA) Tournament, being held at the Lauderhill Sports Complex in Lauderhill, Florida.

Careful thought was given to the players called up to this match, as we were asked at last minute to field a team to replace the U-20 HAITI National team who were not able to obtain the necessary travel documentation for the team in time for the tournament. As such, it was unanimously decided that we field some younger players from the ENIGMA pool, in combination with some from our FUTALAN squad (as most players had left on vacation and were out of town), in order to present a strong and competitive side and in order to obtain excellent competitive minutes for our young players, against strong international competition.

What turned out to be a virtual chess match during the first 15 minutes - as both teams measured each other out, began to turn in our favor as we commanded the midfield and created consistent penetrating runs and combination plays, which greatly confused and disoriented the opposing team’s defense. After a near goal (many said it went in) within the first 15 minutes of play, the team was making a statement to our tough opponent that we were not to be denied. Then in a carefully crafted counter attack, the ball found its way into Team Captain Bruno Giacomelli’s area, which he promptly possessed, caressed and fired at 30 meter range, to score what would amount to the only goal of the match and a great boost to our young squad.

This triumph was a complete team effort, anchored by brilliant goalkeeping from veteran super keeper Reinaldo Marquez and an impenetrable defense mounted by Alejandro Pages, Raheem Flemming, Javaughn Thomas and Alberto Jose Garcia, which limited the lightning fast attack of Barbados to only one shot on goal. A completely dominant triad at midfield, led by Captain Giacomelli’s guidance, supported on the flanks by Samuel Lugo and Chris Pereira, engaged with the most dominant holding midfield combination of our grand “thief” Daniel Atilano and our most capable newcomer Brice Johnson. The opposing team found it virtually impossible to penetrate and create, and were consistently dispossessed of the ball, with our high level pressure defense and quick ball recovery!

Lastly, our attack was being carried out by solo formation up top, headed by Marcos Wehrhahn, who dashed through their defense in a maze of combinations and intelligent runs off the ball…creating confusion and nearly resulting in other goal scoring opportunities!

Subtitutes Maleke Corniffe, Jose Buitrago and Javier Salgueiro, at forward and midfield positions picked up the slack most capably, creating many near- goal opportunities in the second half. Elijah Kerr and Oraine Tomlinson, substituted for a tiring defensive holding line, came in and provided very strong support to the defensive wall and held the result intact…a solid and convincing 1::0 victory over the U20 Barbados National team.

Congratulations on a truly fantastic effort and unforgettable performance, enjoyed by the hundreds of fans and scouts in attendance! Group play continues tomorrow and Saturday, as a combination side of FUTALAN and new players being assessed by our staff for inclusion into our program, will carry the load for the rest of the event.

(FUTSOC) 1 :: 0 (U-20 BARBADOS NATIONAL TEAM)

FUTSOC (“CASA”):

Players: Reinaldo Marquez, Alejandro Pages, Alberto Jose Garcia, Raheem Flemming, Javaughn Thomas, Daniel Atilano, Brice Johnson, Elijah Kerr, Bruno Giacomelli (Captain), Chris Pereira, Samuel Lugo, Javier Salgueiro, Jose Buitrago, Marco Wehrhahn, Maleke Corniffe, Oraine Tomlinson, Vincent Companion, Karl Ackermann, and Bruno Saade.