Bethesda Internationals

5 Jun. '05. Inter faced its NCSL/D1 friends in the MD State Cup Final on an extremely hot, sunny afternoon at the Soccer Plex with temps in the upper 80's. Thanks to MSYSA, there were 3 minute 'heat' breaks in each half at about the 20 minute mark so that the players could drink water to stay well hydrated. Both teams played very physical with the Titans committing 14 fouls to Inter's 6 fouls in the 1st half. Inter fired 6 shots on goal, while the Titans attempted 4 hard shots on goal, including one that went in the net from right side end line at about the 23 minute mark, but it was luckily called back due to an offsides call on a Titans player, and the match ended in a scoreless draw at the half. Early on in the 2nd half at about the 5 minute mark, the Titans executed a swift counter attack and moved the ball upfield to the right corner of Inter's half, where an excellent cross was launched into the goal mouth area to an awaiting Titans player. Inter's right side/defense did not react quick enough to the cross and mark the player out of harms way or clear/head the ball away and the Titans player was able to head in an easy strike past Nat to the left side of the net. The Titans kept up their physical play throughout the 2nd half, creating 6 more shots on goal that went wide or were saved by Nat and 1 corner kick with 7 fouls. Inter mounted several furious attacks and shot 3 times on goal with 2 corner kicks (and 4 fouls), but to no avail as they too went wide or were stopped by their fine keeper, including a terrific corner from Skylar to Mati in the goal mouth who headed a hard ball towards the net but it just barely missed to the left. Congratulations to the Titans, MD State Champions 2005, and soon to be crowned NCSL/D1 Champions for Spring 2005. The Titans will well represent our great state of Maryland in the upcoming Regionals and will go along way, perhaps winning yet another title in a fabulous season they are having. And, Congratulations to Inter Bethesda, for advancing to the Finals after being a Semi-Finalist last year and who played valiantly against a very talented Titans team that would not be denied its rightful place as MD State Champions 2005.