USL Match Report
Saturday, November 21, 2009
TAMPA, FLORIDA – Jeff McLaughlin scored two goals: one in stoppage-time of the first half and one in stoppage-time of the second half, to set up TSF Academy for a one-game showdown with Real Maryland tomorrow for the right to compete in the U17 boys semifinals on Monday. Tonight’s match was the annual Showcase Match for the USL SoccerFest. The game highlighted a rematch of last season’s U16 boy’s semfinal that ended 1-0 in favor of TSF Academy.
“We knew they were a very tight side from last season and from some scouting I did yesterday,” said TSF Academy Coach, Zico Nunes. “Kendall is a very strong opponet. Our game plan was to turn them around early with a few through balls that split their defenders.”
The exteremly physical match was dominated by midfield play throughout the early going as both teams felt one another out. The first chance went to TSF in the 9th minute, when right back Zach Haapaoja whipped a cross into the area from the right side. The pass was headed just wide of the far post by Evan Reed.
A chippy midfield battle dominated the middle portion of the half before TSF got on the board in stoppage-time. On the play, TSF’s Nick Garcia knocked a cross from the right flank to McLaughlin, who was waiting at the far post. The ball sat up perfectly for McLaughlin, who volleyed the ball back to the far side netting for a 1-0 lead.
Following a halftime speech from the coaches, the physical play and late fouls continued nearing the 60th minute. TSF nearly took a two-goal advantage twice: knocking a breakaway showdown with Kendall SC goalkeeper, Eric Reyes wide before gianing Kendall’s endline four minutes later only to have a sure goal cut out by a backtracking defender.
Kendall fought back with their best opportunity of the match which came on a free kick awarded 25-yards from goal. A Kendall SC defender came forward to stand over the ball before knocking it to the side of the TSF wall. A teammate there teed up the ball and the onrushing defender struck a lazer-beam that whistled inches above the far post.
Two minutes later, a dangerous tackle from behind changed the match for good when a Kendall midfielder was sent off following an altercation at midfield. Reduced to 10-men, TSF was able to control the ball as they wished, but sturdy Kendall defenders kept the game in question by clearing balls off of the goalmouth.
Just as the game looked like it would end as a mirror of last season’s 1-0 decision, the game clock struck the 90th minute and Jeff McLaughlin struck the back post from just outside the right 18-yardline. The match finished moments later, 2-0 in favor of TSF Academy.
“Losing in the final of last season’s U16 Championship really left a bad taste in our mouth,” said Nunes. “We lost it fair and sqaure to a team that was better than us on that day, but we think we can do better than that this time around.”
TSF Academy and the also, 2-0-0 Real Maryland Monarchs play at 5:00 PM tomorrow at Land O’Lakes Recreation Center to decide who will advance to the U17 Boys Semifinals.
