Bethesda Internationals

26 May '08. On another splendid sunny day out at the MD SoccerPlex, for its 5th match of this event, the Internationals would face its friends and nemesis from PAE-E, the YMS Xplosion, who have had the upper hand in match play with the Internationals over the course of several seasons, winning 3 times while falling only once to Inter with 1 tie. In the 1st half, like Coastal, YMS were physical, strong and sent its forwards running onto long ball after long ball but all were unsuccessful including a free kick from about 22 yards out and 2 header attempts. YMS committed just 4 fouls (including 1 offsides) while Inter also committed 4 fouls, including a YC shown to Jamie for a blocking foul around 22 yards out center. Inter would manage 4 shots on goal including a nice, hard shot by Patrick about 25 yards out on the left which sailed just left of goal, and the half ended, 0-0. Both defenses held their ground in the 2nd half, with the Xplosion limiting Inter to just 2 shots on goal with 1 setup on a nice service by Skylar from about 35 yards on the left which sailed into the box and the ensuing header attempt by (?) was unsuccessful. YMS setup 2 corner kicks which were unsuccessful while committing 8 fouls, including a YC shown to #13 for a hard foul on Nathaniel. Inter would commit 2 fouls, including 1 offsides penalty and YC shown to Fabio after trying to tackle the ball away from a YMS player who collected an uncleared ball, dribbled towards goal before being fouled with the resultant PK awarded to YMS at about the 18 minute mark. Oddly, the center official appeared to have allowed an advantage after the foul as the YMS player continued to dribble towards goal before launching a a shot which missed, and then the official made the delayed PK call. But, Seth was again large on the goal line with his 6’3” frame, jumping up and down, waving his arms, and when the YMS player sent the well struck, high shot towards goal, Seth reached up high and made a great finger-tip save to deflect the ball over the cross bar, and the match ended later in regulation time, 0-0. In the 1st 10 minute OT, YMS would setup only 1 corner kick which was unsuccessful while committing 1 offsides penalty, and held Inter to no shots/corners and no fouls committed. Much of the same in the 2nd 10 minute OT, with YMS again setting up 1 corner which was unsuccessful while committing 2 fouls and held Inter to no shots/corners while committing 1 offsides penalty, and the match went into PK’s. In this shootout, Inter drew the first PK attempt with Nat sending it home true. YMS’ 1st attempt also was true, but Nicholas’ 2nd attempt sailed high and right while YMS made its 2nd. Skylar’s PK made found its way to the back of the net and so did YMS’ 3rd attempt. The 4th PK attempt by Ebo was unfortunately grabbed by the GK and YMS made its 4th attempt to win the Championship match on PK’s, 4-2. Congratulations to YMS for its well-deserved Championship! It was a very entertaining and highly competitive match and tournament as a whole - can’t ever recall a tournament with 2 Semi's and Final all decided by PK’s.