The final U-17 match in the group stages was this morning at 9.45am against Miami Stars Pachuca FC from Florida. The team still had a slim chance of qualifying for the semifinal round if it won this game and in another game the result would have also had to go in our favour. Determined to end their tournament on a high, both captains, Chinua Bernard and Aaron Skeene huddled the team together for a last minute pep talk, before the starting whistle.
It was a cagey start by both teams, like a boxing match, just feeling each other out with jabs, not wanting to leave any gaps which could be exploited by the other. As the game progressed the tempo was raised by SKHY, the intensity increased and gaps started to appear in the Miami Stars Pachuca defense. SKHY started to play some beautiful football, with some wonderful combination plays that created a couple of chances to score, but none was taken. Either because of faulty finishing or a pair of safe hands from the Pachuca custodian. First half ends even, 0-0.
At the half time interval the coaches called on the players to keep up the intensity, not give up and push themselves to the limit. Things will begin to open up in their favour in this battle. The team heeded the call from the time the whistle was blown to begin the half. The pressure put on Miami Stars was unimaginable. The ball was closed, before the player could breathe. They were not given a chance to lift their heads to make a pass. The pressure was so intense. The boys ran and ran. Miami Stars Pachuca was literally placed in a pressure cooker from SKHY and from the searing heat of the Florida sun. Sooner or later we knew if we kept up the intensity something would open for us and it did. Chances were created but wasted, some tired legs may have been the cause, but then they had their reward with 8 minutes left. A wonderfully worked sequence of passing and movement was finished off by Chinua (the finisher) Bernard.
The result in the other game did not go our way, so we did not get into the semifinals. The team sends out a special ‘Thank You’ to our trainer, Jermin Jeffers, who has done a great job in preparing the team for this tournament. They outlasted all opposition. This is a testament to his work, especially under these playing conditions. Tomorrow our U-13’s play a semifinal game, in their Silver Bracket against Addison United Azulcremas at 2.00pm.
Our Theme Park for today was Typhoon Lagoon, a water park. Again, everyone seemed to have a great time. Tomorrow it will be between Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.
