Bethesda Internationals

25 May '08. Later in the afternoon, the Internationals faced another tough, tenacious team from Ohio in the Semi-Final, Eagles SC. The Eagles SC played aggressively and managed 3 shots on goal which went awry while committing 8 fouls (including a YC shown to #2 for USB & 1 offsides). A slight, breezy wind was with Inter in the 1st half and at about the 10 minute mark a ball was lofted into the box by (?) and Ben’s header attempt was deflected out fortunately right where Nat was in position to head-strike in the go-ahead goal. Inter had its chances to notch 1-2 more goals on a couple of dangerous balls sent across the goal mouth but could not finish another goal and the half ended, 1-0, Inter. Just 3 minutes into the 2nd half, the left back collapsed into the center towards the action on the right side and the Eagles SC switched a ball over to an unmarked player who 1v1 on Seth was able to deftly strike in the equalizer goal for its only shot attempt of the 2nd half, while committing 8 fouls. The Eagles SC held Inter to just 2 shots on goal which went awry and no corners while committing 5 fouls (including 1 handball, 1 offsides and 1 high kick), and the match ended, 1-1, and would go into 2 x 5 minute overtime periods. In the 1st OT, Inter’s defense stymied the Eagles SC from any shots on goal while the Eagles SC committed 2 fouls. Vitalis was out with a cramp and Inter would manage just two shots on goal (including a free kick) but could not finish while committing 1 high kick foul. In the 2nd OT, Vitalis returned to action but neither team managed any shots or committed any fouls and match would be decided by PK’s. The Eagles SC first attempt missed wide right while Nat notched his shot. The Eagle’s second attempt was successful while Nicholas also made his shot. The Eagles SC 3rd attempt missed wide left while Skylar sent his home true. Incredibly, the Eagles SC 4th attempt also missed wide left and Inter earned a trip to the Final after prevailing over the Eagles SC, 3-1 in PK's. 

Footnote:  Remarkably, YMS Xplosion and Metro FC Rapids were playing their Semi-Final game adjacent to Inter's Semi-Final with the Egales SC, and it too, ended in a tie (2-2), went into 2 x 5 minute OT's and was decided by PK's with YMS edging the Raipds.  Inter will meet the Xplosion in the Championship match tomorrow.