Today was the first day of competition in the Disney International Cup. We (SKHY FC) had a mixed bag of results, from our three teams that are competing at this tournament. We take today as a day of experience for our young players and move forward. The day began with all the teams taking a stroll and a stretch early in the morning, as all our matches were played during the afternoon period. The temperature here is nearly unbearable. There is sunshine all day, with little or no wind. It’s dry and sticky. No need to be outdoors if you don’t have to be. So, everyone relaxed during the morning period, until it was time to go to the Opening ceremony at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. All matches will be played here.
Our games today, in order of times played, were against Bridgeport Premier FC from Connecticut (U-13), Fraigcomar FC from Puerto Rico (U-11) and UIFC Downey (U-17) from California. Matches were played at 3.45pm and 5.30pm respectively. Both U-11 and U-17 games started at the same time.
The U-13 game versus Bridgeport Premier was like a David against Goliath. SKHY was the David, but the result would not be the same. SKHY began the game positively, playing with confidence despite the loss of Jasiel Edwards, the kingpin at defensive midfield, before the game began due to the heat (dizziness and headache). Bridgeport would three goals in the first half despite a tremendous effort from the SKHY boys. With a bit of luck, that score could have been 3-2, if Justin Araujo-Wilson had got better strikes at goal, but it was not to be. Bridgeport clamped down on him and really marked him tightly. By the end of the match which ended Bridgeport 6 – SKHY 0, SKHY would lose another four players to the heat, one being our guest goalkeeper. Despite the loss of these players the guys continued to work hard and give their best efforts. Mention must be made of Jared Nedd and Jaden McCree, who put in a sterling performance and of some brave goalkeeping by Elijah Riley.
Our U-11 competition today Fraigcomar was a good team, which made for an entertaining match. The game began at an up-tempo pace with both teams attacking and counter attacking. Chances were coming fast and furious, with both goalkeepers making some wonderful saves. Joshua Mason came the closest scoring for SKHY, but Fraigcomar goalkeeper once again came off his line to make a wonderful save. SKHY’s goal tender, Aidan Hayes, not to be left out of the mix, soon after, kept his team in the game with another one of his good saves of the eveing, by diving and turning one around the post. At the end of the first half the game was 0-0, with both keepers having kept their teams in the match with some unbelievable goalkeeping for their tender age.
The second half began just as the first had started and ended, at a frenetic pace. It was like a boxing match, punch for punch. Then at around the 40th minute Fraigcomar’s striker was afforded some room on top the box, he picked his spot and gave Aidan no chance, 1-0. With about 15 minutes left in the game Dante Moses was immediately red carded, for what the writer would consider a minor infringement. Tough luck Dante. This sending off seemed to spur these young ones on even more as they pressed forward, but could not find a way pass Fraigcomar’s goalkeeper. The team played well and with spirit and tenacity, an excellent first effort. Build on this start and move on to greater heights.
The U17’s match was up next against UIFC DOWNEY, the boys looked focused and determined from the onset as this showed in their disposition in the pre-game warm-up. They started well, stringing passes together. They grew in confidence with every minute that passed creating a couple of gilt-edged opportunities as a result, with both Chinua Bernard and Aaron Skeene having a couple of half chances. This proved to be the recurring theme throughout the match with Justin Brooks and Bixente Ragbeer supporting well in attack, whilst in defense Tevin Lessey, Nicholas Emmanuel, T’shad Selvon and Johnathan Gibbons were resolute and withstood any pressure UIFC DOWNEY through at them. The game really and truly was won in midfield as Kevin Wharfe and Keyshaun Villafana worked their socks off on both ends of the pitch. All in all the guys showed grit and a desire to win the match, which paid off in the 75th minute. A goal from Chinua Bernard from a cleverly worked free kick, from outside the area on the left side, 1-0 to SKHY, with 10 minutes to go.
The game ended, with this same score line. It was an emotional match for the boys as most of them couldn’t contain their joy, some coaches and supporters as well, as they really did put in a good shift, they deserved it. Mention must be made of Yannic Gamaldo, our custodian between the uprights for this game, who made a couple of brilliant saves. Special mention of the SKHY supporters who came out to cheer on the teams. Parents thank you. You were fantastic.
LET’S GO SKHY!!!
