Bethesda Internationals

9 Dec. '06. The two Potomac SA sister teams scrimmaged on the new superb turf field at Georgetown Prep in preparation for the Disney Showcase in which both teams will participate in a couple of weeks. Many thanks to the Cougars 92 for arranging the scrimmage as they are training at GP on Saturdays through next Feb. 07. It was a sunny but chilly afternoon and the players-officiated scrimmage gave opportunity for coaches to focus on sharpening the players' and team's tactical play. In the first half, both teams were able to move the ball around well but the Internationals had the edge statiscally with 3 shots on goal and 1 corner kick, all of which were unsuccessful -- while committing no player-called fouls! Although the Cougars 92 center possessed and distributed the ball nicely, the Internationals strong D thwarted most of the attacks, challenging/clearing the ball away and allowing just 1 shot on goal which fortunately delfected off/away from the side post, and no corners -- while committing 3 player-called fouls (including 1 handball and 1 offsides), and the 30 minute half ended scoreless. The second half protracted into a 60 minute affair which saw the Internationals mount numerous attacks and counter attacks, shooting 11 times on goal but would only finish once, thanks to a couple of nice saves by the Cougars 92 GK, Stephen, and others which went wide of goal or were easily stopped by their GK. At about the 25 minute mark, after a player-called foul on the Cougars 92, Skylar sent a nice free kick from about 20 yards out on the right into the goal mouth and several International players timed their rush towards the goal. A melee ensued as the ball dropped to the turf where Nicholas was able to tap in the close goal. The Internationals committed 3 fouls while the Cougars committed 6 fouls (including 1 handball). The Internationals' defnese allowed just 3 shots on goal (one of which was another deflected ball off of the side post) and 2 corners by the Cougars 92. The equalizer goal would come at about the 53 minute mark off of a high arching corner kick by Chris M. which sailed downward into the goal mouth where Nat headed teh ball towards the goal but Joe made a diving stop and the ball rolled outward to the feet of Jeffrey R. who easily tapped in the tieing goal. Once again, many thanks to the Cougars 92 for arranging the scrimmage, and good luck at Disney!