Announcement
6 July '08. The Internationals were back out at BB&T Soccer Park for an early-morning 8AM match vs. its old friends from VA, GFA 91 Crew (formerly MATT 91 Crew),who battled one another tighly in close matches in many seasons in previous NCSL play. The pitch was slick and fast with early morning dew and the Internationals were much more focused today playing with focus and determination at the opening whistle. It was a very entertaining match from start to finish. In the first half, both teams moved the ball well up and down the field creating several scoring opportunities. The GFA 91 Crew would take 4 shots on goal including a hard turn and fire blast from KC from about 18-20 yards out left which Seth reacted lightning quick to read and stop/catch the shot at about the 33 minute mark. The Crew setup 3 corner kick situations which were all unsuccessful while committing 7 fouls. The Internationals launched 4 shots on goal including a nice free kick by Roque and header attempt by Nicholas which sailed high, and 4 corner kick opportunites which were all unsuccessful. However, late in the half at about the 41st minute, Skylar crossed a ball from near the right corner into the box where a scrum of acivity ensued with Nicholas touching the ball and Brian finding the handle to turn and kick in the goal-ahead and ultimately game-winning goal. Inter committed 7 fouls including 5 offsides, and the half ended, 1-0 Inter.
In the 2nd half, Inter's strong defense held GFA from creating any threatening scoring opportunities with no shots or corners taken. The Crew committed 6 fouls including a YC on #7 for a hard foul in the back/head of Jamie, and a YC shown to #22 for a hard foul from behind on Skylar while dribbling upfield. Inter committed 8 fouls including a YC on Nate for a hard foul on a GFA player from behind and an another 5 offsides. The Crew's defense held Inter to just 3 shots on goal which were all unsuccessful including a nice through pass from Chris to Vitalis (onsides) who dribbled towards the GK 1v1 and fired a hard shot which was caught by the GK, another attempt after a nice run upfield by Nate made a good pass to Vitalis on 20 yards on the left but his shot went high over the cross-bar. The Crew continued its attack/counter-attacking in Inter's side of the field but could not break through the back line to setup any clear shots and the match ended, 1-0 Internationals.
In the other game, the U17 Charlotte United 90 Gold surprisingly upended the Roanoke Star Elite, 3-1, after dropping the first two matches yesterday. The other match this afternoon between Triangle United Gold and the Star Elite ended in a scoreless tie. In tomorrow's action, GFA 91 Crew faces Triangle United Gold in an early-morning 8AM match, while Inter takes on the U17 Charlotte United 90 Gold. Then, Inter and Triangle United Gold will play their 4th round-robin match against each other later at 1:45pm, and GFA 91 Crew will play the U17 Roanoke Star Elite in a rematch of VA State Cup in the Fall 2007 which GFA 91 Crew prevailed over the Start Elite, 1-0, in OT.
