SOCCER
DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
Summer
2003 Tournament
"Formerly known as the FSSA U/23 League, created by soccer pioneer, AZI
KHAN, to keep college
student-athletes at the top of their game and teach the ideals of sportsmanship
and fair play while promoting Florida's most talented young
players"
MATCH REPORTS | Crónica de los partidos
Scoring Leaders
| PLAYER | TEAM | GOALS |
| Cubillias, Teofilo | Miami United SC | 9 |
| Montemor, Carlos | Miami United SC | 6 |
| Alerte, Junior | Lauderdale SC | 5 |
| Soler, Christian | SF Borrusia Kickers | 5 |
| DaSilva, Rodrigo | American United | 5 |
| Dreyer, Ryan | Davie United Elite | 5 |
| Nwadike, ChiChi | Miami United SC | 4 |
| Ocampo, Chris | Lauderdale SC | 4 |
| Pulido, John | American United | 4 |
| Shoucair, Omar | Parkland Select | 4 |
| Romero, Ezequiel | SF Borrusia Kickers | 4 |
| Rojas, Diego | Lauderdale SC | 2 |
This summer's edition of the Soccer Development League championship game once again fittingly brought together the top two teams from the regular season in yet another epic rivalry match. The battle of heavyweights featured unbeaten American United boasting the league's most potent attack and stingiest defense and number one goaltender, Edgar Uribe (2 shutouts, 0.865 GAA) against the defending champions of. Lauderdale. American were the model of consistency over the course of the campaign, surrendering only two points all season, but those two points were against Lauderdale, who struggled during the middle part of the season and needed that memorable draw in week 7 against American to ensure qualifying for the playoffs after stumbling into a midseason slump. Lost in all the accolades of the number 1 seeded United side, was the simple fact that the holders (Lauderdale) had overcome all kinds of adversity in midseason just to get the chance to defend their title on the field. The match up brought together two old rivals with a tradition and history. American have participated three times in the league and have reached the finals in all three occasions, the previous two without tasting victory. While defending champions, Lauderdale have reached the finals six times in their storied history with four titles to their credit, looking to add another. In the summer of 2001, these same two rivals met in the final stage. On that day, Lauderdale had forged an impressive campaign, going undefeated on their way to becoming the first repeat champion in league history with a hard fought 1-0 victory with a stoppage time goal from Diego Rojas. American had built an impressive side, and they wanted nothing less than victory to avenge the bitter taste of that costly defeat two years ago. The intense rivalry between Lauderdale and American dates back to the late 1990s when both clubs competed in the South Florida United Youth Soccer Association, and now both storied clubs were battling again for the Azi Khan trophy, which this year has an extra meaning, since Azi Khan is being inducted into the Florida State Soccer Association Hall of Fame, posthumously, later this month for being a pioneer in his work developing rising youth soccer stars into the next generation of professionals. This championship game was an homage to his outstanding contribution to soccer in the State of Florida...and the game did not disappoint.
As storm clouds swirled over rain-soaked South Florida, the long awaited championship game at Mills Pond appeared in doubt. But the match officials gave the signal, and the memorable finals began at last. As expected, the match started out tensely as both sides came out of the gates tentatively. It was American who controlled the opening stages with quick touches and dangerous counter attacks. Lauderdale were static and confused, and could not weather the early storm. Former Fusion practice player, Alberto Munoz was inspired in the early going and continually found open spaces in the Lauderdale defense to work his magic. Lauderdale's makeshift defensive line, included Augusto Gaviria who was working his way back into form. It was Gaviria who made the tragic first mistake as he tried to elegantly bring the ball forward out of the back, but he was stripped and forced to foul. On the ensuing free kick, Lauderdale's hastily prepared wall did not do its job, and Munoz punished Cesar Abril with a breathtaking curling strike into the upper corner over the wall on just 5 minutes. Just as had happened in the Fall 2002 finals, Lauderdale found themselves behind on the scoreboard very early. American were energized by the goal, and Lauderdale still looked like a prizefighter caught by a well placed haymaker punch. Well into the 22nd minute, American attacked at will and had Lauderdale on their heels soaking up the pressure and desperately trying to tip the scales in their favor. But halfway through the first frame, the holders finally awoke. A brilliant collective move created Lauderdale's first chance. Five first time touches in midfield allowed creative playmaker, Emiliano Aranes to spring fleet footed Diego Rojas along the right. His short cross found the hard working Freddy Aguirre who tapped to striker Junior Alerte. Alerte set the ball perfectly for Aranes who fired with the outside of his left boot, but Uribe turned the shot for a corner kick, as Lauderdale put United on notice. The rest of the half was played at a very high level as Lauderdale tenaciously defended the midfield, and United continued to combine with clever touches to break through for the killer blow. On three occasions, Lauderdale's outstanding goalkeeper, Cesar Abril was forced to make tricky saves as the United attackers swarmed in and fired all manner of shots that skipped off the rain-soaked turf causing all kinds of havoc for the normally sure-handed goaltender. By this time the holders had evened the match in midfield and had launched some deadly forays of their own. On 35 minutes, Lauderdale equalized on a beautiful move that started deep in their own end. Captain James Rojas found himself on the ball and placed a gorgeous pass to Aranes who danced around his defender and pushed a ball into space for Diego Rojas to run onto. The diminutive Rojas crossed on the ground to Alerte, who cut to his left and fired quickly to the near side off the post and in. Alerte has been really hitting his stride with goals in his last four matches, but none more important than this one, which put Lauderdale on level terms heading into the break, despite a dreadful opening 20 minutes.
Right from the break, United seized the early possession and locked Lauderdale into its own end. They tried to grab the lead with the crucial second goal to crush Lauderdale's resistance, but the breakthrough did not come. Once again, the champions soaked up the pressure and began to turn the tide of momentum. United's nearly impenetrable defense started to show signs of weakening as Lauderdale probed for chinks in the armor. The incredible workrate of the ballwinning Freddy Aguirre, the tireless running of Franco Sciamarelli, and the inspirational performance from Emiliano Aranes in midfield sparked Lauderdale's resurgence. On 72 minutes Lauderdale tipped the scales in their favor and were in the lead. A glorious ball in from a corner kick found Franco Sciamarelli, who rose above the defense to flash a header into the top corner, sparking a wild celebration. Understandable since it was his first ever goal for the club and could not possibly have come at a better situation. With the lead, Lauderdale predictably bunkered in to defend the advantage, hoping to thwart United's bid for a comeback. Led by superb performances from Anthony Louissaint, Alberto Munoz, and Juan Rivera, American stormed the gates of Lauderdale's defenses. As drops of rain began to fall, so did American's confidence, as Lauderdale held firm and kept the incessant attacks at bay. Both sides were showing signs of fatigue as weary legs collided all over the damp pitch, as heroes tried to emerge from the quagmire with the ball still at their feet. It was during one of these challenges that Lauderdale were dealt a terrible blow. Winger Claudio Rodrigues was dispossessed near midfield and made a hard foul near the touchline from the side as he tried to regain possession. Rodrigues was rather harshly judged and given his marching orders, leaving the holders with a man-disadvantage for the remainder of the match. The decision sparked United's fierce fightback as they surged forward to equalize. Despite, being down to just ten men, Lauderdale continued to threaten from the counter attack and seemed to grow stronger as the time went on. United appeared to unravel and self-destruct as Lauderdale absorbed the pressure and consumed the clock with clever touches to maintain possession. Just as it appeared that Lauderdale would withstand the mighty assault, another turning point came in this epic championship bout. Another free kick along the edge of the box by Munoz forced a fingertip save from Abril. On the ensuing corner kick, taken short, Munoz was fouled by Benjamin Munoz of Lauderdale, setting up another dangerous free kick. Munoz picked out an unmarked Louissaint who snapped a powerful header passed Abril's glove into the corner for a goal of astonishing quality with just 5 minutes to play. Back on level terms and with the man advantage, United seemed in control and desperately tried to put the finishing touches on a glorious fightback. But Lauderdale held firm, and were unfortunate not to take the victory, when Aranes steamed through on the stroke of full time, but just as he planted to shoot, he was knocked off his stride by Justin Ratcliffe, with appeals for a penalty kick going begging. Instead, the courageous crowd of spectators who braved the nasty weather conditions were rewarded with extra time as regulation ended with the score nodded up at two apiece.
Both sides had put forth a tremendous effort in the regulation 90 minutes, showing off entertaining attacking football and hard-nosed ball-winning and organized defenses. It was a titanic tactical struggle with both sides finding ways to penetrate and torment their opponents with talented individual efforts and intricate displays of teamwork. The storm clouds were brewing and the lightening was coming closer, threatening a premature end to this epic encounter, but the first golden goal overtime period was soon underway. American enjoyed the momentum from equalizing with a dramatic late goal and also enjoyed numerical superiority with the defending champions forced to play with ten men. Incredibly, it was Lauderdale the aggressor in the golden goal extra time. A reborn Alerte looking ever dangerous as the lone striker, with Aranes and Rojas feasting in behind him. On 92 minutes, James Rojas put Aranes in on the run along the left flank with Franco Sciamarelli close by, Aranes spotted Rojas on the move through the center, as the lanky playmaker set to shoot, he cut back to his right and flashed a shot towards goal. The entire sideline held its breath in anticipation, but the shot fluttered past the far post and continued out of bounds. United breathed a sigh of relief as they were given a reprieve, but they could not take advantage of the spaces as they got bogged down in individual duels. Lauderdale were increasingly dangerous on the counter attack as United lost precision in midfield. Aranes orchestrated the offense as he patiently picked apart the United defense. Again on the left, Aranes found Franco Sciamarelli at the corner of the box, he eluded his defender and sent a cross into Alerte who jumped in front of his marker and flashed a header past Uribe for the dramatic golden goal game winner, kicking off an emotional celebration from the bench as Lauderdale players poured on to the field to celebrate with their goal-scoring hero. The match, which was played at a very high level by two well prepared and worthy opponents, came to its conclusion with the most exciting and dramatic final in memory. For American United, a nearly perfect campaign came crashing to a bitter end, while it was smiles all around for Lauderdale as they successfully defended their title and hoisted the Azi Khan Memorial trophy high in the air dedicating the hard fought, improbable victory to the memory of the great soccer pioneer. The memorable match finished 3-2 in favor of Lauderdale Soccer Club, the defending and now five-time Soccer Development League champions.
After the match, Junior Alert was selected as the Championship Game Most Valuable Player for his goal scoring heroics. Alerte was beaming after the match, "It was 10 vs. 11, and I new I had to do something special. My teammates had worked so hard, and I just had to find a way to score." On fulfilling every player's dream by scoring the golden goal gamewinner, Alerte said, "Everybody wants this situation [to score the golden goal] from when they are very little. Today I was lucky to be the one." On receiving the MVP trophy, Alerte had this to say, "many players were deserving today, and so many had great performances. I am just so happy for the team and the opportunity to make a dream come true."
Lauderdale's defensive stalwart and veteran of five years, Nelson Esteves was praised by his teammates for his leadership and inspirational performance in the final. When asked about what this victory meant to him, Esteves said, "It feels special. You know the defense struggled a bit especially in the early going, but we fought through it like we have all year and came through, particularly with great efforts from Junior Alerte, Franco Sciamarelli, and Emiliano Aranes." On Alerte's gamewinner, "Junior fought the whole game and came through when it counted, but it was a real team effort and a team victory."
With the victory, Lauderdale's midfield ball-winner and consummate team player, Freddy Aguirre had time to reflect on the campaign and had this to say, "We started off really well, ripping through the competition, then we stumbled a bit, but we recovered and hit our stride going into the playoffs. Players really elevated their level like Emiliano Aranes and Franco Sciamarelli and Cesar Abril, who was fantastic for us." When asked about the epic overtime, Aguirre said, "Down a man, we held it together and defended strong and when it mattered, we came through on top." On Alerte's gamewinner, "the thing about our team is that no one overshadows his teammates, we all try to help each other and make each other better. Guys like Aranes, Sciamarelli, Esteves, and Alerte exemplify that in our team."
Lauderdale's manager, Dr. J.C. Meeroff put some perspective on the victory had this to say, "This is the emotional highlight of our 8 years of existence as a soccer club in South Florida. Today's performance by our boys was magnificent. What needs to be recognized is that we are a club formed by working class players who make an enormous sacrifice just to participate in the competitions, such as today where three of our players came directly from construction work and arrived just at game time, this is in contrast with most of the other teams that have the luxury of resting before the game to be prepared for all out soccer. It is my perception that the key to success is due to the quality of the coaching staff. Our coaches hold the highest licenses and are totally dedicated to player development." Meeroff also hinted of the future, "All the effort that we are putting into the Lauderdale Soccer Club is designed to bring back professional soccer to South Florida where it belongs. Hopefully in the near future, we will be able to fulfill this dream."
With the victory, coach Dan Meeroff, not only becomes the only man in league history to guide his team to two different back-to-back championships to go along with being the only man to win as both a player and as a coach but also becomes the first to coach his side to an unprecedented fifth title. Lauderdale's record-setting coach, Dr. Dan Meeroff had time to reflect after an exhausting match, "I am thrilled with the performance of the team, some players had outstanding efforts but everyone contributed to this victory against a great team. It is nice to see all the hard work pay off with a deserved win in the finals."
First place American were expecting after demolishing Borrusia in the regular season finale, but they would be in for a fight against a Borrusia looking for revenge. Nevertheless, it was a stylish American side that enjoyed the early possession. The first real chance of the game came on a controversial penalty kick decision when William Santos was whistled for a handball in the box. Fullback Justin Ratcliffe calmly slotted the spot kick for the early advantage on just 9 minutes. With Borrusia reeling, midfield maestro Alberto Munoz sliced his way through the Borrusia defense only to shoot inches wide of the Patricio Gonzalez's goal. On the other side of 20 minutes, Borrusia finally made their mark on the match. An unstoppable Ezequiel Romero found some space on the left side and crossed to Freedrick Oldenberg, provoking a fantastic save by Edgar Uribe. On the ensuing corner kick, Oldenberg collided with Uribe on Borrusia's best chance of the half. Uribe appeared shaken up on the play, but it was Oldenberg who took the brunt of the challenge, forcing him to leave the match. Just before halftime on 37 minutes, Munoz the wizard found a streaking Fernando Pleuts who tucked away AU's second with a neatly placed finish on the left. In the second half, Borrusia looked determined but their dynamic strike duo of Soler and Romero never truly linked up to solve the tight American defense. Instead, AU bunkered in and soaked up the pressure, looking to launch deadly counter attacks. On 68 minutes, the game seemed out of reach as a desperate Borrusia was caught wrong footed, allowing Munoz to detect Rodrigo DaSilva's perfect run on the right. The breakaway finish put American on top by three. But Borrusia reacted right away. Soler found Romero in the box just one minute later. As Romero turned to shoot, he was ruthlessly cut down by Mark Stephenson. Alan Sanchez emphatically smashed home the spot kick to bring some life to Borrusia's fight. Borrusia seized the momentum as American, who were in cruise control up to that point, seemed to become distracted. With just 7 minutes to play, Romero hit a breathtaking free kick into the corner to cut the margin to one. With every player forward, Borrusia launched a desperate siege of American's goal. But the glorious fightback was not meant to be, as Juan Rivera found some space along the right flank and buried a classy counter attack goal against the run of play to send American into the finals.
Number two seeded Lauderdale knew that Miami United would be a difficult obstacle in their quest to return to the finals, and after struggling through an up and down season, they knew they would have to be at their best to defeat United. A very focused Lauderdale side looked every bit the part of champions in the opening ten minutes as they created a handful of chances to open the scoring. With United on their heels, Lauderdale poured on the pressure. Emiliano Aranes grabbed the first on 6 minutes with a long swerving blast from mid range. Then James Rojas found Junior Alerte even with his marker, who he easily shrugged off to bang home the second. With the early advantage, Lauderdale put the car in cruise control, but they underestimated the fight left in United. As the Miami squad took over control of the middle, they seemed to claw their way back into what appeared at first to be a one-sided affair. But they could get no closer to Cesar Abril than a pair of Cubillias free kicks that were off the mark. In the second half, Lauderdale wasted many scoring chances that might have put the game out of reach. This gave United a window of opportunity to get back into the match, which they took full advantage of with 12 minutes to go. Inevitably it was Cubillias, whose league leading ninth tally of the season drew his side closer on the scoresheet. But Lauderdale grew stronger as the minutes ticked away, and they held on to the victory despite hitting the bar twice and forcing United's stellar goalkeeper Aldo Balsano into some unbelievable saves.
In the opening match of the playoff weekend, PSN soared to new heights with their fourth straight win. This one was an intriguing matchup, which saw a contrast in styles. PSN looked the early aggressor and created the games' first scoring chance with a lovely give and go between Cadena and Yoder that ended up finding Gabe Ocampo free in the box, only to be denied by an unbelievable stop from Errol Forbes, made even more difficult because the ball took a deflection on the way. On 27 minutes, Itamerica replied with three great chances from Vasos Vasou in the span on one minute, but still no goal. Then on 36 minutes, a Jens Zetterstrom header nearly found the mark, but no dice. In the second half, the chances were few and far between. Both sides seemed content with patiently waiting for a mistake. Finally with just two minutes to spare, David Moss hit the winner from the right into the left side netting to give the three points to PSN.
Lauderdale and Miami United swapped places in the standing in the final regular season match. Miami United were already qualified for the playoffs and began the day in second place, unable to overtake mighty American who thrashed Borussia in the opener. After only 100 seconds, Lauderdale were on their way. Claudio Rodrigues led the rush on the left flank as he fed the ball to a streaking Giovani Galeano. GK ChiChi Nwadke blocked the initial shot, but the rebound fell to Rodrigues who sent the ball in the direction of the back post for Junior Alerte to head home. Galeano added a second from the right on 20 minutes, and Alerte got the double after hammering home a loose ball along the right edge of the box. In the second half, neither side exerted themselves as both had qualified for the playoffs. A free kick from tournament top scorer Teofilo Cubillias ricocheted off the left post midway through the second half, but United could get no closer. Lauderdale had a pair of chances go begging in the later stages as both squads seemed content with the result. With the victory, Lauderdale claim the #2 seed, even on 16 points, but well clear on goal difference and goals scored.
PSN ended the regular season on an upbeat note, unbeaten in their last four matches. This one ended up being a laugher as the Patriots easy dispatched of the Parkland Select. The rout began in the 20th minute, when Carlos Cadena fired home a penalty kick. An Eduardo Beceiro double and a goal apiece from Thiago Oliveira and a late David Moss counter attack gave PSN the final margin. With the victory, PSN solidify their hold on the #6 seed, while Parkland end up the regular season on a sour note, dropping four straight decisions.
Davie United were clinging to a slim mathematical chance of qualifying in the top four for the playoffs. Step one of their task was to rout Itamerica, and step two was to hope for help from some other teams. Step one was accomplished in style, as Davie United's dormant offense exploded to destroy Itamerica. Goals for Davie came from Oliver Candell and a pair of doubles from strikers Ryan Hare and partner Ryan Dreyer (one by PK). The only bright spot for Itamerica after Janak Altidork missed a penalty, was a Jens Zetterstrom strike that helped only to avoid the shutout.
American needed just one point to clinch the #1 seed in the playoffs, and they did much more than that as they thrashed Borrusia by a lopsided scoreline. Goals for American United were scored by Alberto Munoz and John Pulido. Borrusia surrendered in the second half and failed to mount any threat to Mario Aycart, who earned yet another shutout for the best defense in the league. With the humiliating defeat, Borussia will likely earn a rematch against American next week in the semi-final round.
PSN continued their fine form of late with another strong performance against Itamerica who were coming off an unexpected upset of Lauderdale the week before. PSN took control of the midfield but found the path to Errol Forbes, Itamerica's fine goaltender, to be a difficult one as Itamerica defended well in the first half. A pair of tragic misses by Nick Bennetti and Eduardo Beceiro and a brace of excellent saves from Forbes kept the scoresheet clean. Itamerica really needed the three points but rarely threatened in the blistering second half heat. Finally in the 74th minute, Forbes injured his lower back making another of a countless number of saves, and had to be replaced. PSN quickly took advantage. In the 76th, an entry pass was dummied into the path of Scott Ranscher who zinged the ball into the far corner. On two separate occasions, Itamerica's Jens Zetterstrom had the equalizer at the doorstep but was thwarted by David Cardenas. Then in the 85th, Eduardo Beceiro curled one in from the left corner of the goal box to put the finishing touches on Itamerica's fight. With the win, PSN move into 6th place in the standings on the strength of Cardenas' first shutout of the campaign. Meanwhile, Itamerica remain in 8th place with a game in hand. Next up for PSN is a date with free falling Parkland Select, while Itamerica face FirstLantic in midweek and finish up with Davie United Elite.
Lauderdale were looking to bounce back after their unexpected defeat against bottom club Itamerica the week before, meanwhile American were demolishing everything in their path as they raced out to a perfect 6-0 record and sat alone atop the standings. With a victory, American could have clinched the #1 seed, while Lauderdale needed to return to the form that they displayed in the early part of the season. The match had a playoff feel to it as both sides turned up the intensity and played attractive free-flowing attacking football. In the first 25 minutes, Lauderdale looked determined to make a statement and put the United on their heels with swift attacks and clever combinations, but the goal did not come, and American began to gain confidence. On their first real threat, the ball found the back of the net, but the play was ruled offside. Lauderdale stiffened their marks and again went into the attack. An inspirational performance from midfield maestro Emiliano Aranes was the difference. Brought down 30 yards from goal, it set up James Rojas for a glorious free kick blast that burst the roof of the net. American were disturbed by the goal and sent everything into a well organized assault on Lauderdale's goal. A pair of fine saves and some workmanlike defensive efforts from Lauderdale kept first place American at bay. Then Junior Alerte escaped from American's defense and zeroed in on goal. After cutting back to his right and shaking loose his defender, Lauderdale's second appeared a certainty but his shot missed tragically to give American new life. Into the second half, United turned up the pressure and laid siege to Lauderdale. The holders were on their heels for most of the period save for sporadic counter attacks that rarely tested Mario Aycart. When it seemed that Lauderdale had weathered the storm, Lorenzo Zignano appeared out of nowhere to blast home a perfect left-footed strike to equalize. Both Lauderdale and American had their moments to steal the three points but both sides failed to find the mark as the match approached full time. With the draw, American lose their perfect record but remain as the lone unbeaten and will have to wait until the final weekend against Borrussia to clinch the #1 seed in the playoffs. For Lauderdale, the point nearly assures them of reaching the final four for an unprecedented 9th consecutive appearance in the playoffs, but it does not get any easier for the holders since next up is a clash with second place Miami United.
Miami United opened the day in third place hoping to pass idle Borrussia for the second spot in the standings against Parkland who were fading fast after a promising pair of performances in the beginning of the tournament. United were imperious and always in command even in the early stages when they began shorthanded. Josh Kirk was the engine driving United with skillful touches and brilliant downfield vision. A pair of early chances from Nasser Khalil, one in offside and the other an unexplainable miss from close range, put Parkland on notice. Then after going to full strength, Hans Nueman found a streaking Carlos Montemor for MU's first on 13 minutes. With the lead, United appeared content to hide the ball and protect the lead, but the Neuman to Montemor combination found paydirt again just 6 minutes later as a perfectly weighted through ball from Neuman hit Montemor in stride. Montemor eluded Austin Dudas, who was slow to react as his defenders appealed for offside, and buried the finish into the empty net. Parkland surged forward but a pair of tragic misses from Caio Machado another from Glen Davis, this one from less than two yards away, kept Parkland scoreless into the break. In the second half, Miami controlled the pace of the match and managed the midfield, but Parkland wanted back into the match. Finally with 8 minutes to play, the impressive Omar Schouicar pulled one back for Parkland, but in the end it was Parkland's inability to finish after some effective setting up work that sealed their fate. Miami United earn the victory to qualify for the final four with a week to go. Montemor's double (6 goals) also put him within striking distance of teammate Teofilo Cubillias (8 goals) for the scoring title chase.
Needing a win to stay alive in the playoff hunt, Davie got the job done with a goal from Ryan Dreyer in a hard fought match with bottom club FirstLantic.
Undefeated American easily dispatched of Parkland with first half goals from John Pulido off an indirect free kick set play and Lucas Scnedeler on the break. In the second half, United increased the lead with a goal from Andy Toledo. With little time left, Parkland avoided the shut out with a goal from Anthony Huggup. With the win, American United clinch a spot in the playoffs and can claim the #1 seed with just one point in their remaining two matches.
With goals from Andres Castano and Hector Navarro, winless Itamerica raced out to a two goal lead in the first half. Lauderdale fought back to equalize with goals from Chris Ocampo and James Rojas, but in stoppage time, Jens Zetterstrom headed home the game winner for Itamerica.
After storming out to a two goal lead (David Moss and Carlos Cadena), Miami United fought their way back with goals from tournament top scorer Teofilo Cubillias and Manuel Ley to earn a draw.
Impressive Borrusia were riding a three match winning streak and looking to gain more momentum ahead of their European tour, which starts this Monday in Germany. Meanwhile, Parkland's window of opportunity for the playoffs was rapidly closing after failing to get a good result last week. Borrusia looked very sharp in the early going creating danger from both flanks. Parkland's only answer was the play of Omar Schoucair who was nearly unstoppable but often left too alone to create trouble for Borrusia's tight defense. On 7 minutes, Borussia were awarded a free kick from the left. Alan Sanchez fired a strong effort off the woodwork and the rebound was pushed wide. Just one minute later, Parkland goaltender Austin Dudas was forced into a bigtime save. It seemed clear that it was only a matter of time before Parkland's resistance would break. On 25 minutes, Christian Nelson swept in on goal and buried the first with a determined run and strong finish. Schoucair tried to answer for Parkland on the half hour mark with an individual effort. On 37 minutes, a hard charging Schoucair made a strong move to get behind the defense but his shot left a lot to be desired after a brilliant individual piece of setting up work. Into the second half, Nelson almost grabbed a double but his shot went begging. Then on 68 minutes, Christian Soler was brought down in the box. Sanchez crushed the spot kick into the roof of the net off the crossbar with a powerful blast to put the Kickers up 2-0. While on cruise control, Borrusia grabbed a late goal from Soler to finish off Parkland and really complicate their postseason dreams. Next up for Borrusia after they return from Europe will be a scintillating week 9 matchup against unbeaten first place American United. Coincidentally, American United is also the next opponent for Parkland, who will have the unenviable task of needed to win to keep alive any hopes for the playoffs against the top squad in the tournament so far.
Neither of the two sides had yet to earn a single point so far in the competition, and this was week number seven. But it was PSN looking in command from the early going. After an uneventful opening half hour, the Patriots finally created some danger as Gabe Ocampo was sprung loose on the right side to finish clinically on the game's first real scoring chance. Into the second half, PSN doubled their advantage with Ocampo again after some pretty setting up work from Jose Velez. Velez would get on the score sheet himself just three minutes later after a quick free kick from Mauricio Solano was played in his direction. Velez stepped in front of the last defender as he tried to redirect the ball to his goaltender and stole the ball to finish into the empty net. The goal crushed FirstLantic's resistance and from then on, it was all PSN as they broke with 5 sometimes 6 players on goal for the rest of the match. On 66 minutes, the seige was on as PSN smelled blood and swooped in for the rout. Beceiro had one returned to him off the crossbar on a corner kick. Moments later Solano missed just wide as the match turned one-sided. Beceiro then scored. Then Solano dribbled through the swiss cheese defending of FirstLantic to bang home off the post. Nick Benetti added a stoppage time slap in the face from close range, as FirstLantic went crashing to defeat. With the victory, PSN climb out of the cellar and earn their first three point of the campaign in style. Still a long way to go to qualify for the playoffs, but an intriguing match with Miami United next week looms large as no more points can be lost the rest of the way to reach the postseason. Next up for FirstLantic is a another chance to earn their first victory against an inconsistent Davie United side.
The holders were reeling after their surprising defeat in the derby two weeks ago, but had the bye week to get composed ahead of their difficult confrontation with Davie United. The match could not have started any better for them, after 38 seconds James Rojas put them in lead with a neat finish from close range. The play began with Freddy Aguirre winning a ball in midfield and finding Benjamin Munoz. Munoz played the ball into the path of Diego Rojas who picked out his older brother storming in on net. But instead of going for the back breaking second goal, Lauderdale sat back and defended, allowing Davie back into the match. Davie seemed to gain confidence as the time went on and dictated much of the play and were unfortunate not draw level on several occasions. Finally the did, when Lauderdale GK Randy Rosado parried away a hard shot only to find Davie's tireless frontrunner, Jonathan Imran alone to equalize in the empty net. On the stroke of halftime, a long outlet from Chris Ocampo found Tim Jones on the run. He held off his defender and managed to get off a rocket that burst the roof of the net. After the break, Lauderdale poured on the pressure and created several good chances to put the game away, including a Raya Ocampo bicycle kick, but impatience and dreadful finishing was all they could come up with. After absorbing the barrage, Davie then probed forward and forced some anxious moments of their own, particularly when they had a long cross that connected inside the six yard box but the off balance shot went just over the bar. With five minutes to play, Jones found net again for Lauderdale but the goal was disallowed for offside. Fortunately, Jones' earlier goal proved to be the difference as neither side could manage a goal in the second half of a very competitive match. With the win, Lauderdale are still in the fourth and final playoff spot if the season ended today, separated by only one goal from Miami United. They will look to gain ground on the top spot next week against Itamerica, while Davie United will be expecting against winless FirstLantic.
First place American avoided a slow start and came out of the gates at full throttle this week against overmatched newcomer Davie United. Led by midfield playmaker Alberto Munoz, American set the tone early with a pair of attacks right off the whistle. A dangerous pair of attempts within 30 seconds of each other by Rafael Reyes signaled American's intent. AU were looking sharp but Davie were resilient and well organized after absorbing the initial pressure. On 20 minutes a free kick by John Pulido was floated into the box and found its way into the net through a sea of defenders and a pair of bounces. Despite conceding the soft goal, Davie surged forward into attack, but the gambit played right into the hands of American who prefer to sit back and counter attack with deadly efficiency. On the half hour mark, Nelson Pizarro looked like equalizing for Davie who were really pouring on the pressure. He weaved his ay through the center of the defense and fired, but his effort missed just wide after deflecting off Mark Stephenson. On the ensuing corner kick, Davie had a goal disallowed for an infraction in the box. Three minutes later, AU were off and running on the counter attack cleverly choreographed by Munoz, but Rodrigo DaSilva missed tragically after going in alone. Two minutes later, the duo hooked up again, but this time, DaSilva danced around Gian Diboscio and coolly stroked it home at the back post. Shortly after the break, AU's counter attack paid dividends again, as a tightly marked Reyes controlled brilliantly, held off his defender, and finished with class. On 74 minutes, the rout was on as Lorenzo Zignano cruised in alone but his shot banged the post. Munoz gobbled up the rebound but was brought down for a penalty. Goalkeeper Edgar Uribe fired, but Seth Gilson came up with the save to bring some life to Davie. The joy was shortlived as Zignano found Reyes all alone just 60 seconds later to put American in the driver's seat up 4-0. Just two minutes from time, Davie's persistence paid off with a spectacular long range strike from Ryan Hare who crushed a drive into the top corner to pull one back for DU. Reyes, with a remarkable performance in the attack, then turned villain as a nasty challenge earned him a red card in stoppage time. With the victory, American remain in first place and will put their perfect record on the line against fellow unbeaten Miami United in a clash of the titans next week. Davie will look to bounce back against idle Lauderdale next week in the opener.
Miami were determined to keep pace with first place American after coming off the bye week. They have enjoyed a superb run of form and have been a machine all season long, demolishing every team in their path. This week's victim was bottom club, FirstLantic, but MU got it going right away and never looked back. Ugo Nwadike finished from close range to open the scoring after just 3 minutes. Overmatched FirstLantic briefly threatened with a dead ball on 15 minutes. Onder Beckensir, who would later limp off with an injured thigh leaving his side with just ten men, smeared a laser beam that ricocheted off the bar. On 25 minutes, Pasnick had a chance to level the sides but his left footed strike could not squeeze between Nwadike and the post. But then the tide turned and an elegant Miami midfield poured on the style. First on 27 minutes, a goal was disallowed for a cheeky handball as Miami threw numbers forward. They kept storming the gates until Carlos Montemor scooped up a rebound after a Teofilo Cubillias was partially saved. Cubillias is a well-known free kick specialist and scored three set piece goals on either side of halftime. Joseph Khalil finished a jail break counter after taking a pass from Montemor, as the game turned into a rout. Cubillias had a hat trick plus one, Montemor added a second, David Forman scored a penalty kick, and both Andy Lavin and ChiChi Nwadike chimed in with one apiece in the most lopsided score of the season so far. In stoppage time, FirstLantic made their presence felt on the scoreboard with a classic David Pasnick run and finish. With his four goals, Cubillias (who also was tops in the Gold Coast Premier Division scoring race) returns to the top of the charts as the lone striker with 7 netters. Miami United are on a roll and will hope to continue their amazing success against American in what should be quite a matchup between the only two undefeated teams remaining. For FirstLantic, it is time to lick their wounds and go back to the drawing board ahead of their match with PSN who are also searching desperately for that elusive first point of the campaign.
After an uneventful first half, the evenly matched sides combined for some entertaining football in the second. Jermaine Gray for Parkland got things going as he smashed a shot off the post in the 66th minute. Parkland seemed to slowly wrest control of the match and the goal seemed imminent. On 68 minutes, Schoucair scooped up a poor clearance by Errol Forbes, the Itamerica netminder, and hit the ball into the top corner. Four minutes later Schoucair fired a stiff effort but Forbes made the stop for a big save. But three minutes later a silky move by Schoucair freed up Colin Andrade to sneak one in at the near post with a clever first time shot. Itamerica were awarded a penalty kick nine minutes from time. It was a glorious chance to climb back into the match, but Claudio Rusi's attempt landed outside the fence, no where near the goal. From then on, Parkland cruised as Itamerica's attack sputtered to another shutout. With the win, Parkland will be looking to climb into the playoff hunt against Borussia. Meanwhile, Itamerica mercifully limp into the bye week in search of answers for their struggling attack ahead of their match up with Lauderdale in week 7.
American looked rusty after coming off the bye week, and PSN enjoyed some quality possession particularly along the left side of the field as they desperately searched for their first victory of the campaign. In the 16th minute Mark Pizzulo, turned brilliantly but could not aim cleanly. His weak shot was easily scooped up by American's giant goaltender Edgar Uribe. American answered right away with a classic counter attack but Rafael Reyes was stopped cold on two attempts by Jeremy Flint, PSN's outstanding netminder. Then in the 25th, Carlos Cadena dribbled toward his left and fired a shot against the grain that flashed just wide of Uribe's goal. The best chance of the half for AU came when an elegant John Pulido pass found Lorenzo Zignano in stride. Zignano cruised in on Flint for the opener, but Flint won the battle and stopped Zignano's effort cold. American continued to pressure PSN and were awarded a free kick at the top of the box after an obvious hand ball. Alberto Munoz curled the ball onto the intersection of the post and the crossbar with Flint completely beaten, but somehow the ball sprang back into play. In the second half, PSN struck first from the penalty spot. Cadena doing the honors for his first goal of the tournament on 54 minutes. But the lead would evaporate quickly as American surged forward. Munoz was hauled down in the penalty area on 63 minutes and he buried the PK with quality into the top corner. Less than two minutes later, American completed the comeback, when Rodrigo DaSilva clipped the ball over Flint on a wonderful counter attack orchestrated by Munoz, the playmaker. United held on during an anxious few moments as PSN briefly mounted a storm, but the match fell into chippiness, and PSN were left with nothing for their enormous efforts. With the win, American United dodge a bullet and take three points from the Palm Springs derby to climb into a three-way tie for first at the top of the standings. Next up for last year's finalists is a difficult test against impressive Davie United. Meanwhile, PSN will face Borussia in hopes of grabbing their first points of the campaign.
The Fort Lauderdale Gold Coast derby featured two teams playing their best football of the tournament. Both were coming off impressive routs and were looking to extend their run of form. The match began tensely with a distinct physical tone which favored Borussia. Lauderdale defenders were beaten constantly by Borrusia's powerful attack that included a brilliant performance from an unstoppable Christian Soler. Inevitably, it was Soler that opened the scoring in the 6th minute, as he stole one of many bad passes in the back and knifed his way through the porous Lauderdale defense to finish low and hard with his left. Lauderdale went forward but lacked the stylish midfield interplay that had staked them to such a rousing start. Again the defense fell through as Edgard Galea completed a lethal counter attack eluding no less than four Lauderdale defenders on his way to scoring at the near post. Lauderdale pulled one back just before the break, when Carlos Edet held the ball for more than 6 seconds and they were awarded an indirect free kick inside the box. Rojas tapped to Christopher Carvajal who bent the ball into the top corner in spectacular fashion. In the second half, Lauderdale were the aggressor but lacked the same quickness and cohesiveness of the first three matches, and clearly Borrusia were playing compact in the back content to counter punch at the earliest opportunity. Persistence paid off for an unorganized attack that ended with Marco Maroclo being fouled inside the penalty area. Carvajal buried the spot kick to put Lauderdale on even terms. Then moments later, he found Daniel Gonzalez alone unmarked at the top of the box, but his tragic effort was snuffed out by an alert Edet. Borrusia then launched another counter attack, which found Soler. Augusto Gaviria fouled him inside the area, but Sanchez's penalty kick was saved by Paul Mitchell and the rebound was sent over the bar. No matter, as two minutes later, Borussia were again in the lead as Soler headed home from the right to provide the final margin. With the goal, Soler becomes the top marksman in the league with 4. Unfortunately, he made a nasty challenge on Ocampo moments later and was dismissed. Lauderdale threatened that equalizer and had numerous occasions to tie the game, but the rewards went to Borrusia who now climb back into the playoff chase after a difficult start, they next face struggling PSN with their eyes on first place. After dropping a tough decision in the derby, Lauderdale limp into the bye week still atop the standings but in a three-way tie.
Impressive Davie United needed a victory to keep pace as a clear dichotomy was forming in the standings. Davie looked in command in the early going with their two busy strikers, Dreyer and Imran, causing headaches for Parkland defenders. On the counter, the Davie squad looked dangerous and it was from that route they would grab the first netter on 20 minutes. A perfect ball into space found Mathew Palardy in stride to finish clinically against a sprawling Austin Dudas. Parkland surged forward and dominated the possession. Clever midfield work by playmaker Dwayne Lawrence was the architect of almost every attack, but still the Davie defense held solid. The speed of Parkland's frontline led by Omar Shouicair and Anthony Huggup was neutralized by an organized and nearly impenetrable back three for Davie. Into the second half, it seemed that Parkland always had the ball and were storming the gates left and right but tragic finishing and timely defending, held them at bay. A glorious shot by Shoucair against the bar was as close as they would come, as time ran out on Parkland's failed comeback attempt. Next up for Davie is a date with first place American, while Parkland will be looking to climb back into the hunt against winless Itamerica.
High flying Miami United are off to a glorious start to the campaign with two impressive victories to begin the season. Today they faced fellow unbeaten Davie United Elite coming off their first ever SDL regular season win. The game was a wide open entertaining affair that featured action at both ends of the field. It was the intricate possession game of the veteran Miami United squad against the youthful enthusiasm and speed of the Davie United eleven. Miami United were patiently dictating the flow when they were awarded a free kick along the right in the 20th minute. From a tight angle, Andy Lavin struck a well hit bomb that looped in the top corner for a goal of tremendous quality. Then top scorer, Teofilo Cubillias whipped another free kick with the outside of his right boot that screamed toward the back post and glanced off into touch. On 26 minutes, Davie mounted a well coordinated attack, but Thomas Myers cleared Ryan Dreyer's effort off the line, then as the play continued Miami launched a furious counter attack, but ChiChi Nwadike's strike was held by Seth Gilson. Just 5 minutes from halftime, Davie equalized on a thrilling play when Alex Contreras found a streaking Alejandro Gessen on the left. Gessen's pinpoint service found the head of Nelson Pizzaro to smash home for Davie. On the stroke of halftime, Cubillias just missed from close range as the match went back and forth. In the second half, both sides fought through a slight drizzle as a cloud overhead enjoyed a wildly entertaining match in which a clever Miami side managed the tempo, but a pesky Davie group tried to imprint its style and grew stronger as the game wore on. After 53 minutes, Miami should have been in front. A wonderful piece of skill from Cubillias, resulted in a Lavin shot but Gian DiBoscio made a brilliant reflex save and had the ball cleared off his line after the ensuing rebound. Two minutes later, Nwadike crossed dangerously to Cubillias who rang his powerful drive off the crossbar. On 75 minutes, a thrilling series of events took place which culminated in the game's defining moments. Miami United's constant pressure finally paid off as Nwadike crushed a loose ball into the corner, but less than 60 seconds later, Davie were on the doorstep, when GK Thomas Myers coughed up the wet ball and was forced to foul Dreyer who swooped in to pounce. Dreyer took the penalty kick, but Myers saved brilliantly only to have Dreyer bang home the rebound as he dove to his left. Then only 30 seconds after that, Nwadike finished off Davie with a delightful glancing header from an accurate service from Nick Serrano. United then bunkered in to protect the lead and even looked dangerous off the counter attack, while Davie surged forward with conviction. In the end, Miami held on and continued their amazing form to open the season by claiming the top spot in the standings. With the victory, Miami United soar into the bye week in a tie for first place with Lauderdale. Next up for Davie is a difficult encounter with an improving Parkland Select team.
Borrusia have been a sleeping giant for the first two weeks and were looking for their first victory of the tournament against bottom club Itamerica. A short-sided Itamerica group withstood the early pressure but it seemed only a matter of time as Borrusia out-classed the Italians in midfield with skill and pace. Basically, it was all Borussia, all of the time, as the match took on a one-sided feel. It was only a matter of time, as an inspired Ezequiel Romero urged his team into attack. The reigning scoring champion led wave after wave against Itamerica's excellent goaltender, Errol Forbes. And for the early going, the two battled back and forth. On 5 minutes, Romero blasted a left footed drive off the crossbar after cutting back to his favorite left foot. On 15 minutes, Romero had a free kick brilliantly saved by Forbes. Then on 17 minutes, third time was the charm as Romero cut to his left and buried a strike into the near post to put Borussia in the lead. Itamerica seemed to have no answers for the impressive dribbling skills of Borrusia's star player, and Romero continued to shred through their defense at will. In the 24th, Romero fed Freedrick Oldenburg, but Forbes went bravely down to close the gap and come up with the big save. Finally in the 32nd minute, Itamerica got forward and created a set play opportunity, but the free kick was wasted. But it was a brief respite from the Romero vs. Forbes show, which continued in the 33rd and 37th minutes. Forbes was under siege but held firm coming up with save after save as the scoring champ zeroed in on #4. But in the 43rd minute, Itamerica conceded another goal, incredibly it was not Romero but Alex Arango with a well placed zinger that banged in off the post. Into the second half, Borrusia seemed to put the car in cruise control, content to counter punch with the dangerous duo of Christian Soler and Romero. During Borussia's second half letdown, Itamerica seized the initiative but could never find a clear path to Carlos Edet. As the match winded down, Itamerica forced the issue but came up empty. Then tragically gave up two goals in stoppage time to balloon the final margin to 4-0 after goals from Andres Lozano and Christian Soler less than 45 seconds apart. With the win, Borrusia climb into the fourth place spot ahead of their showdown with Lauderdale. Itamerica limp into their next matchup against bottom of the table FirstLantic in midweek.
The holders began the day in a three way tie for first place, but with Miami United's impressive victory earlier in the day, they were obligated to get three points to keep pace. Their opponents were coming off a heartbreaking 1-0 loss at the hands of Davie United and were anxious to grab their first three points of the season. The match began tensely, although Lauderdale enjoyed much of the possession. The dynamic Brazilian duo of Claudio Rodrigues and Marco Maroclo combined for the game's first chance. A heel flick and Rodrigues steamed in all alone only to hesitate long enough to have his shot deflected out for a corner kick. Then midfield playmaker, Christopher Carvajal had a long range effort strike the woodwork. Lauderdale were in command but had nothing to show for it, until 27 minutes when Carvajal found Daniel Gonzalez crossing through the middle of the defense. Gonzalez prepared the ball to his favorite right foot and sent a screamer bounding in from 35 meters out. The ball bounced twice as it skidded towards the right post and in to open the scoring. With just a minute to go in the first half, Lauderdale doubled its advantage when Gonzalez crossed to the back post for Diego Rojas who fired a full volley into the side netting for a picturesque netter. Merely 26 seconds into the second session, Rojas crossed to the back post and found Jorge Barca who volleyed a weak effort that somehow squirted through David Cardenas to find net. Just two minutes later, Lauderdale secured the three points when James Rojas combined with Barca and Gonzalez to set Christian Ocampo free. Ocampo cleverly flicked the ball in to the right as his body was moving left. Lauderdale poured on the style as the rout was on, and it seemed that everyone wanted to get in on the scoresheet. Then after a sweeping move from the right, Rodrigues was hauled down inside the goal area for a penalty kick. Ronnie Salm fired into the top corner as Lauderdale continued to build on its lead. Then Barca added his third of the campaign with a glorious side volley at the back post. Finally, Maroclo also got on the board with a breathtaking glancing header that left Cardenas helpless to react. In stoppage time, Lauderdale netminder, Paul Mitchell was again thwarted in his second shutout bid as Nick Benetti finished a strong move by PSN for their first goal of the tournament. With the resounding victory, Lauderdale move into a first place tie with Miami United (and hold a slight lead on goal difference) and will look to continue their winning ways against their archrivals Borussia next week. Meanwhile PSN will be facing their own archrivals, American United, who are coming off a bye week, in next week's showcase matchup.
Parkland came off the bye week with something to prove. they could not let more points slip away in the chase for the playoffs especially against the last place FirstLantic who have surrendered double digit goals after the first pair of matches. Parkland enjoyed the early initiative and looked more in command of the match in the beginning stages. A pair of chances, by Jason Blocker dribbling across the top of the box and Caio Machado flashing his shot just wide, reinforced Parkland's advantage on the pitch. In the 31st minute Omar Schoucair volleyed just a hair length over the bar, and Parkland were awarded a corner kick after the dangerous strike took a deflection on the way in. On the ensuing corner kick, FirstLantic's resistance crumbled as Machado was left alone at the top of the box to bang home off the post (32'). Less than 60 seconds later, FirstLantic were level, when they launched an ambitious long ball in the direction of Andres Hinestroza who latched on to the end of the pass and delicately clipped the ball over an onrushing Austin Dudas to equalize right away for FirstLantic. In the dying moments of the first half, both sides had great chances to take the lead. For FirstLantic, Steve Simmons flashed a header wide after a well-taken free kick from the left, and for Parkland, Dwayne Lawrence smashed a free kick through the wall, which fell to Machado who lifted the ball over Daniel Lopez, but Hilary Augustin flew in from his right back spot to clear the ball off the line with his head, in an unbelievable display of athleticism. In the second half, Machado had an early chance go begging as he missed tragically from close range, while Simmons was thwarted twice on breakaways by a diving Dudas. In the 53rd minute, Parkland strung together an intricate series of passes, orchestrated through the left side, and finishing with an entry pass into Schoucair, who spun and fired a drive from just outside the box. On 69 minutes, Westinburger brought down Schoucair in the box, and Parkland were awarded a penalty kick. Schoucair took the honors for his second goal of the match. Parkland continued to dictate through the counter attack as gaps appeared in the FirstLantic defense. The Select looked fit and aggressive and were close to scoring the fourth, then FirstLantic briefly threatened but seemed to wilt in the heat as time ran out on their comeback bid. With the victory, Parkland even up their record ahead of their intriguing matchup with youthful Davie United Elite.
Last year's epic semi-final encounter in which these same two sides took a scoreless battle into the golden goal extra time, did not repeat itself. Today, Lauderdale were the aggressor from the opening kick-off and looked like slicing through the FirstLantic defense at any moment. But FirstLantic held on with a tightly packed defense, many times consisting of ten or more players, clogging the path to goal. On 20 minutes, Lauderdale found the breakthrough. After a pretty buildup on the right by the Rojas brothers, Daniel Gonzalez crossed dangerously to a streaking Jonathan Carvajal for his second goal is as many games as he finished with a powerful header. Then on the stroke of halftime, Lauderdale doubled their advantage when twin brother, Christopher Carvajal served from the left. After being deflected on by Jamie Meeroff, the cross fell to Diego Rojas who finished at the goalkeeper's short side. On the other side of halftime, stylish Lauderdale provoked a penalty kick as Rojas was rudely brought down after a gorgeous Stanley Peterson cross-field pass found Rojas in behind the defense on the doorstep of his second. Chris Carvajal converted to put the holders up by three. Lauderdale tilted the scales in their favor a looked to run away with the three points from then on. A pair of Christian Ocampo goals set up on both occasions by Gonzalez were separated by a lovely give and go breakaway that Freddy Aguirre slotted home with a classy finish. In stoppage time, FirstLantic's scoring ace, David Pasnik came through with a fantastic strike to keep Lauderdale's Paul Mitchell from recording his second shut-out of the campaign. For FirstLantic, it has been a difficult opening pair of games in which they ended up on the wrong side of two 5-goal routs. They will look to recover some form next week against winless Parkland who were idle this week. Lauderdale will be looking to maintain its slim advantage at the top of the standings against a very difficult PSN side who debuted with a heartbreaking 0-1 loss.
Favorites American United were taken to the limit by a modest Itamerica side in a bizarre match, which saw United miss three penalty kicks during the course of the game. For the most part, American had their way throughout the early going. Their skill and flair in midfield evident with each touch of the ball, but up front it was a tragic and forgettable day for the American strikers, particularly from 12 yards out. In the 7th minute, American dominance forced Itamerica into committing a penalty kick on Rodrigo DaSilva. Chris Moysiddis took the responsibility, but fired clean against the crossbar. Just seconds later, Moysiddis would try to make amends for the miss, but his strike went high and wide. A fortunate Itamerica held on bravely, but in the 19th minute, reality was restored as America broke through with DaSilva finishing from the left after a breathtaking entry pass from former Fusion midfielder Alberto Muñoz. In the 23rd minute, DaSilva swerved his way through the Itamerica defense in a glorious solo run but crashed into the post before he could tap in after eluding goaltender Errol Forbes and the rest of Itamerica's resistance. In the 36th minute, Andy Toledo came close but missed just inches wide from 6 yards out. American were getting the chances but not converting, which opened the door for Itamerica. Finally in the 40th minute, the Italian side mounted an attack. A picturesque play with a lovely set up by Salim Zovadi allowed Saulo Martinez to strike from the top of the box, but his shot bounced within inches of the post. A hint of things to come. On the other side of halftime, Itamerica drew level when Andres Castano soared down the left flank and teased a wonderful cross to Zovadi to bang home against a helpless Edgar Uribe. But American were not disturbed as they continued to control the ball and the midfield, at will. In the 55th, the tragic finishing continued. This time, the ever dangerous DaSilva inexplicably misfired from just 3 yards out. Minutes later, Janak Altidork committed his second penalty kick infraction of the game. Gustavo Campos kicked for American, but his shot was saved by Forbes diving to his right. Campos smashed home the rebound to restore his side's advantage on the scoresheet. Just 10 minutes later, Altidork was whistled for his third penalty kick of the game. DaSilva stepped up and misfired a looping effort off his shin, for American's unprecedented third penalty miss of the day. On 78 minutes, DaSilva was in again but his swerving dipping strike missed just barely. Finally on 79 minutes, the playmaker Muñoz found a streaking Moysiddis to finish along the right after cutting back and faking out Forbes for the final margin. With the loss, Itamerica will be looking to grab their first points of the campaign against Borrusia, while American head into the bye week tied for first atop the standings.
An impressive Miami United side were looking to continue their delightful run of form against Borrusia in the glamour match up of the day. United are off to a rousing start showing remarkable patience in attack and a well organized and stingy defense. Borrusia have looked like world beaters at times and vulnerable at other times and were struggling with consistency. It was an intriguing clash of styles. Having said that, it was an uneventful first half, as Borrusia were without the services of their fearsome strike partnership of Romero and Soler for the opening stanza. United failed to take advantage however as scoring opportunities were few and far between. Finally in the 41st minute, Hans Neumann broke loose inside the box and found a tiny crack. He turned and fired but Edet was there to smother the attempt. Borrusia immediately responded going the other way, Christian Nelson blasted a powerful strike at goal but it deflected off Kevin Myers for a corner kick. After combining for a dull first half, Borrusia put Romero and Soler into the second half, hoping to make the difference. But it was Miami United who struck first against the run of play. Teofilo Cubillias, a devastating set piece specialist, was gifted with a chance to show his magic in the 55th minute. His right footed attempt deflected off the wall and curled perfectly around the fingertips of Edet to take sole possession of the scoring lead. Ten minutes later, an inspirational Romero provided the crowd with another dizzying display of his magical left footed dribbling skills as he swept through the United defense with his silky moves and found Soler all alone to tap in from close range to equalize. But it was United who took command from then on. Carlos Montemor showed his tricky dribbling skills and fired from outside the box, just a warning to Borussia this time, but on 85 minutes, Montemor put the finishing touches on a goal mouth scramble for a dramatic late match winner for United. With the improbable victory, Miami United are tied atop the leader board with two wins from two matches ahead of their battle with impressive Davie United Elite, while Borussia will be looking for their first victory of the campaign against winless Itamerica.
Palm Springs North were the last side to debut in the final match of the day against a very difficult Davie side. It was a lively entertaining affair featuring wide open attacking play from both sides. Neither squad could forge a scoring chance in the first 45 minutes, but things started to open up in the second half. On 60 minutes, Jonathan Imran curled a left footed strike around two defenders, which the goaltender never saw, to put his Davie side on top. But just one minute later, PSN were unlucky not to have equalized after a well taken free kick struck the angle but caromed harmlessly back into play. In the 70th minute, PSN's David Moss forced a brilliant save from Seth Gilson as PSN poured on the pressure, but the young Davie side held together and claimed their first ever victory in the Soccer Development League with the shut-out. Next up for Davie is a game against fellow unbeaten Miami United, which is shaping up to be quite a thrilling match up. PSN will look to rebound from the setback against first place Lauderdale.
Borussia, a Premier Division Gold Coast side that is always a tough customer for any team to face, is another obvious contender for the summer title. Borussia boasts two-time SDL and reigning scoring champ, Ezequiel Romero, and will be looking to return to the finals after an impressive Fall 2002 campaign, which saw them take the top seed in the regular season only to succumb to Lauderdale in the championship match. They opened the season against newcomer, Davie United Elite, a U-18 youth side making the jump into senior amateur soccer. The squad is loaded with talent and should be a favorite to do well in its rookie season as Borrusia found out in the early going. It was an uneventful opening stanza featuring a well-organized and compact Davie United defense against a cautious, probing attack from Borussia. It took until the 40th minute to produce the game's first quality chance. Ezequiel Romero announced his presence in the match with an elegant shot from distance that Giani DiBoscio brilliantly turned over the bar. On the ensuing corner kick, Chrisitan Nelson wasted a chance to put his side ahead. Moments after the break, however, things changed right away, as Romero weaved his magic along the right goal line. Leaving two defenders in his wake, the striker finished from a nearly impossible angle to put the crowd on its feet. Just four minutes later, Davie had its first quality chance go begging from Oliver Candell. But it was Romero in again on 56 minutes after a Christian Soler cross. Romero faked twice and after his initial shot was saved, banged home the rebound to double the lead. From that point on, Davie surged forward using the long ball and the early cross to open holes in the Borussia defense. The principal target was the impressive Jonathan Imran. The Davie players put out an incredible work rate and forced the issue. On 62 minutes, they were rewarded with a corner kick. Inevitably Imran got his head on it to force an instinctive Carlos Edet save, but his rebound fell to Nelson Pizarro, who smashed home a beautiful side-volley. Davie poured on the pressure, and the tireless Imran provoked a penalty kick decision by bulling his way through the defense. Ryan Dreyer took the responsibility and fired Davie into the tie to cap off its improbable fightback. Borussia returned to attack mode but were wilting in the heat, while Davie appeared to grow stronger as the seconds ticked away. On 77 minutes, Imran was unlucky not to put his side ahead when he was robbed by a spectacular Edet fingertip save. But Borussia resistance could hold no longer. In the 81st minute, Inuran was pulled down just outside the box and Stephen Reid fired a missile that skidded off a Borussia defender in the wall and found the roof of the net to bring Davie into the lead all the way back from 0-2 down. In the dying moments of the match, Borussia snatched a dramatic equalizer using all of their bag of tricks. A defender for Davie United cleared the ball out of bounds, but another ball appeared out of nowhere as Christian Soler found Romero streaking in unmarked. Romero picked out the run of Freedrick Oldenzburg at the back post to steal back a point. Next up for Borussia is a battle with the impressive Miami United, while Davie will face PSN Patriots who will debut after a first round bye.
The feature match of the day had the 1999 champions Parkland Select facing the defending champions Lauderdale Soccer Club. The SDL champions won the last edition in the Fall 2002 season over their archrivals, Borrussia, in a memorable finals. Although sporting a brand new squad with many new faces, Lauderdale is a perennial contender, having reached the playoffs in 8 of 9 appearances in the tournament. Ironically, the only team to eliminate Lauderdale from the post-season was Parkland Select, who in their last appearance in 1999 featured Tyrone Marshall (LA Galaxy), Steven Herdsmen (Colorado Rapids), and a host of other world class players with a distinct Jamaican influence in the squad that were eventually crowned champions. This match marked the return of Parkland to the SDL after a 5 year layoff. During the game, Lauderdale were the aggressor from the opening whistle, controlling the pace and flow of the midfield in the early going. Parkland bunkered in and played physical but Lauderdale dictated with flair. On 28 minutes, Junior Alerte found net for Lauderdale after picking up a pass from Diego Rojas and banging home a left footed finish from up close and working himself free of a defender. Just before the break, Lauderdale doubled its advantage as Jonathan Carvajal stormed into the box, beat his defender, and tried to slip the ball past Austin Dudas, but he made a mess of the shot. Fortunately for Carvajal, the ricochet landed to Omar Ramsey who crushed home from the left. In the second half, Lauderdale had several chances to extend their lead but they wilted in the heat as the game bogged down in midfield and Lauderdale forwards lost their precision. On 80 minutes, Rojas combined with Daniel Gonzalez who swerved in from the right. His pinpoint cross found Jorge Barca whose snap-header found net for his first career Lauderdale goal. Juan Pablo Clerc and Paul Mitchell combined in net for the shutout.
Itamerica, a Gold Coast Soccer League club from Boca Raton, was looking to improve on its 2-2-4 record in the Fall 2002 tournament, which saw it narrowly miss out on the playoffs in its rookie season. Miami United was returning to the competition for its fifth season looking to take the next step after an impressive Fall 2002 campaign, which saw them reach the semi-final stage. This group is based out of South Miami and features players from the Miami StrikeForce youth club who have returned to the area following successful college careers. Neither side looked enterprising in the opening 15 minutes as they both tried to adjust to the searing heat at Mills Pond. First to shake the cobwebs was United's Nasser Khalil with a long range effort that narrowly missed wide of the mark. On 27 minutes, Teofilo Cubillias struck first blood for Miami United, as he cut back sweetly to his right boot and zinged in the opener past a helpless John Skora in nets for Itamerica. After the break, Josh Kirk was judged to have been brought down in the penalty area and United were awarded a penalty kick. Khalil doubled United's advantage with a well placed screamer. Sensing frustration on Itamerica's part, United poured on the pressure and easily dispatched them with second half goals from Teofilo Cubillias, ChiChi Nwadike, and Carlos Montemor. Itamerica did pull back a couple of goals from Hector Navarro and Vasos Vasous but it was too little too late, so the match ended with an impressive 5-2 victory for Miami United who will get testing next week against Borussia, meanwhile Itamerica will have their work cut out for them against first place American United.
Last summer's finalists and odds-on favorites to win the title, American United boast a talented line-up featuring players from Florida International University mixed with a group of players that made up the heart of the powerful Miami Lakes U-18 state champions of 3 years ago. United systematically demolished undermanned FirstLantic, a second division Gold Coast Soccer League squad based out of Boca Raton, looking to regain the form that saw it reach the semi-finals of the last edition of the SDL tournament. American displayed its quality with a breathtaking opening 35 seconds, which featured almost eleven consecutive passes that culminated in a Jonathan Moscoso shot that was barely parried away by FirstLantic's goaltender, James Hudson. Rodrigo DaSilva, lurking near the edge of the box, scooped up the rebound and fired neatly passed a sprawling Hudson for the season's first strike after on 35 seconds, the second fastest goal in league history. No sooner had FirstLantic regained its composure after the initial shock, and United were on the board again. This time striker Andy Toledo raced down the right flank to cross to Juan Rivera to fire home from short range on 10 minutes. DaSilva nearly doubled his personal total a minute later when he stole a pass from Hudson and cruised in only to misfire just inches wide. On 22 minutes, Chris Moysiddis entered in as a substitute and with his very first touch, he zinged in a blast from 30 meters out to bring United to 3-0. Then DaSilva had a goal of fabulous quality disallowed for offside as United continued to outclass FirstLantic. Finally in the 37th minute, FirstLantic replied with a chance of their own. A nicely taken free kick from Richard Wheeler hummed into the box. Gabriel Rossenwasser latched onto the end of it with a side volley that sailed just inches over the bar. Then Rossenwasser turned villain as he tapped in a sure Luis Franca goal but he was in an offside position and the goal was disallowed. Had he simply allowed it to roll into the net, FirstLantic would have drew one back. In the second half, it was more of the same, United controlling the tempo and FirstLantic on its heels. On 57 minutes, Rivera grabbed his second from very close range after a corner kick set play, with appeals for offside going begging. In the 89th minute, DaSilva combined with Toledo for another short range finish to round out the scoring. Edgar Uribe kept the score-sheet clean for his first shut out in nets for American. Next up for United is a date with Itamerica who are still smarting from a 5-0 thrashing of their own, while FirstLantic will look to rebound against Lauderdale.
Updated on: AUGUST 10, 2003 | 10 de Agusto de 2003