Boys U13 Black Advances to Round of 32 Undefeated
Posted Feb 1, 2012 in Club News
This past weekend, the Nott’s Forest Football Club’s Boys U-13 Black team traveled to Lancaster California to play in the Cal South State Cup Governors Division Championships. Group play consisted of 3 matches against teams from all over the state. The Nott’s team faced off against the South Bay Gunners in their first contest of the weekend. Both teams fought hard throughout the match, but in the end Nott’s decided the contest with 2 second half goals by Dylan Axeman and Grant Bailey, in addition to stand out performances from Ben Krongard and Bryce Neels. The second match pitted local San Diego rival as the boys took on Scripps United. The Nott’s team took a first half lead on two goals by Grant Bailey. The first a slick free kick from 25 yards out struck with perfect pace and precision into the far left side netting. The second off an assist from Ethan Shauer in which a well timed and physical tackle allowed Bailey to get behind the defense and slide the ball past an aggressive charge off his line from the Scripps goalkeeper. The second half proved more difficult as the United boys picked up their pace and energy as Nott’s was unable to capitalize on a few point blank opportunities. The Nott’s players defended staunchly with great play from the aforementioned Shauer and solid command the penalty box by goal keeper Ethan Risse. The whole team rallied to hold on for a 2-1 win. In the third and final match, the stage was set for a rematch of a Presidents Cup group play match from two weeks prior against CSC to where the regional rivals drew 1-1. This match proved to be just as exciting as the previous encounter with the winner of this match taking first place in the group. Nott’s started strong earning a corner in the 4th minute. Daniel Diaz placed a firm driven ball into the box and connected with Grant Baileys head for the 1-0 lead. Nott’s continued to play well though CSC was not to be denied as they stepped up their game and were able to press during the last third of the first half. Again, Nott’s was able to defend well and not allow CSC any clear scoring opportunities keeping the 1-0 lead into the second half. After the break, CSC came out strong and continued to build on the momentum gained in the first half. Nott’s was able to mount a few forays into the oppositions half with some good combination play and were able to create only a couple of scoring chances. CSC was turned away time and time again due in large part to defensive contributions from David Espinosa, Diaz, and Dylan Plaster, but CSC’s persistence paid off, capitalizing on a missed tackle and scoring the equalizer in the 66th minute. Both teams showed heart and resolve in the match as both sides earned the privilege of advancing to the knock out round with Nott’s taking second place in the group on goal differential tie breaker. The Nott’s boys look forward to continuing their strong weekend performance in the round of 32 beginning next weekend where they will take on Sherman Oaks SC.
