Bethesda Internationals

21 Jul. '07. After driving about 40 miles from the mandated hotel in Winston-Salem by Tournament Logistics associated with Score At The Shore organization to Bryan Park just outside of Greensboro, in an early morning 8AM match, the Internationals would face last year's Champions, Irvine Strikers BU15 Black, who gave up zero goals in their Region F Championship this year. The weather was splendid with temps in the high 70's/low 80's with lots of sunshine and low humidity. The superb putting green quality fields were wet with heavy dew making the ball slippery and fast bouncing. The only other complaint being the frequent passing of freight trains less than 50 yards away and blowing of the loud horns as they approached a nearby crossing. In the first 10-15 minutes, the Strikers moved the ball well although more laterally and in the back than effectively up front and could not penetrate Inter's strong back line, and the Internationals knew that they could play against this strong California team. Stefan started as Gk and did not have much hard work as the Irvine team would take (2) shots on goal at the (27) and (30) minute marks which went wide/wary while committing five fouls (including a YC shown to #11 for a hard foul from behind on Skylar on a breakaway run. The Internationals would take four shots on goal and setup one corner kick opportunity while committing four fouls (including 1 offsides). At about the 37 minute mark, after a foul by Irvine, Skylar launched a free kick from about 25 yards out into the box where Ben alertly timed his jump to head strike in the first goal past the surprised GK, and the half ended several minutes later, 1-0, Internationals. The Internationals controlled most of the play in the second half as the Strikers appeared to be less organized in their offense and could not penetrate Inter's solid back line. The Strikers would take three shots on goal and two corner kick opportunities which all were unsuccessful while committing four fouls (including another hard foul from behind on Scott by #11 who was shown a YC followed immediately by a RC and sent off the field. The Internationals would shoot three times on goal and setup two corner kick opportunities while committing eight fouls (including 3 offsides and 1 handball). At about the five minute mark, Skylar sent a nice pass upfield to Scott on the right who served the ball into the box where Nat controlled the ball to strike in the 2nd goal. Just five minutes later, Ebo served a ball into the box where Nicholas controlled tapped it over to Ben who struck in the 3rd goal. Alas, with just 30 seconds left in the contest, the Strikers penetrated behind the back line who were caught out of position and could not clear the ball away cleanly. Roque attempted to kick the ball out but caught the leg of an Irvine player who immediately fell to the turf and an ensuing PK was awarded. Seth came in the second half as GK had no chance to stop the hard struck shot which sailed into the net and the match ended, 3-1, Internationals.