Game 1

FUTSOC started the game a bit slow, taking the first half to pick up steam and get into rhythm. Scoring opportunities just couldn’t find the back of the net, until Giuseppe Petruso threaded a shot right between the keeper and the near post after a beautiful assist by Daniel Pimentel. FUTSOC began to really take over the match at this point, but still had difficulty putting away more chances. West Pines tied the match on the final play of the game after a cross in the box took an odd bounce and caught the goalkeeper off guard.

Final Result: 1-1

Game 2

Miramar United was the opponent in this match and again, FUTSOC just couldn’t find their style of play early on. Miramar’s speed up top proved a difficult task to the FUTSOC defense. As much as they bent though, they didn’t break. A quick counter attack through the left flank gave FUTSOC the only goal of the match, finished by Jose Izarra. Miramar really brought the pressure in the final minutes, but the FUTSOC defense held.

Final Result: 1-0

Game 3

Sunday mornings match against Schulz Academy the deciding match of the tournament, winner would play for the championship later that day. FUTSOC came out of the blocks ready to play. Many opportunities drifted wide of the goal, but a beautifully placed 30-yard shot by captain Rafael Ferrer rattled the bottom right corner of the post as FUTSOC went up 1-0 in the opening half. FUTSOC continued to control the game allowing only 4 shots. As the game came to a close defensive midfielder, Carlos Jimenez dribbled his way through four defenders inside the Schulz Academy box and curled a shot past the keeper, to add another to the score tally.

Final result: 2-0

Game 4 (Championship)

A rematch against West Pined United was the matchup for the final of the 2018 Sting Cup. FUTSOC started the game hungry and dominated the midfield from the start to the end of the game. Although FUTSOC controlled the game, West Pines’ quick long balls to speedy strikers gave them some lethal opportunities. Two opportunities resulting in a penalty kick and a red card desperation tackle by FUTSOC center back, Tomas Sevilla. West Pines leads at half time 1-0. FUTSOC, being a man down really picked up the pace and controlled the ball, weaving in and out of the opponent at will. The chances were continuing to pile up and it was only a matter of time until FUTSOC saw the net. They did just that after an attacking opportunity resulted in a penalty kick, scored by captain, Rafael Ferrer. FUTSOC continued to maneuver the ball with precision and flair, until disaster stuck. Defenders, Rafael Ferrer and Daniel Pimentel’s heads collided at the 70th minute, leaving them out of the remainder of the games with suspected concussions by onsite staff and coaches. With 20 minutes left in regulation, down one man, and losing three starting defenders, FUTSOC pulled what can only be described as the most beautiful performance the team has ever produced for the remainder of the game. A total team performance saw FUTSOC shine as they weaved the ball through the West Pines squad, leaving one player making a comment to his coach, “What am I supposed to do against that?”. with opportunity after opportunity created, FUTSOC still struggled to find the back of the net leaving the second half whistle with a 1-1 result. Overtime saw no changes as FUTSOC continued its dominance but couldn’t finish opportunities. A notable one-on-one save in open space by goalkeeper, Antonio Perera, kept FUTSOC alive in the second period of over time. This left the game tied, going to a penalty shootout. Unfortunately, one beautiful save by the West Pines United Goalkeeper and a perfect score sheet on the West Pines side left them victorious.

Final Result: 1-1 (5-4 p.k.)

Overall the tournament was a huge success for the FUTSOC boys. The team’s ability to grow and improve throughout the season has been wonderful. They will continue to learn, develop, and grow as players. The potential in this team is endless and we, as a club, are proud to call these boys FUTSOC players.

Per als Jugadors, Pals Jugadors!