Sunday April 20--

The Amherst FC Barcelona boys U10 soccer team made it to the Epic indoor season’s final games for the second year in a row.  This year, their semi-final win was over United, the same team that beat them in the 2007 final, so the boys were poised to show how much they have improved in one year by taking on the Rage.   In two previous meetings the Rage had outscored Barcelona 8-1. 

Early in the game the Rage took a 1-0 lead on a terrific break away goal that just kissed the inside of the post.  Goalkeeper Dylan M did everything else to keep the ball out of the net.  As the end of the first half neared Dylan placed a perfect long ball to mid-field, where Sam K picked up the ball and outraced the Rage defender before finishing with a goal to the lower right corner.  The scoreboard read 1-1 at halftime and the team was happy but knew they had been tied at the half in both previous meetings.  The midfield battle was being waged by Ben N, Jay L, Robbie S, Max L, and Evan M.  Amherst knew an even better second half had to be played. 

Within the first 2 minutes of the second half the Rage grabbed a 2-1 lead with another shot off the post.  Barcelona picked up the pace but the opponents were equal to every attack.  Meanwhile, Andrew L and Alex R were excellent on defense limiting the Rage opportunities.  Sam K established some ball control and was progressing toward goal when he was fouled aggressively enough to draw a free kick from just outside of the penalty box.  Andrew S then blasted the kick just over the wall, which the goalie saved but Peter H pounced on the rebound and put it the back of the net.  The Barcelona faithful were feeling the momentum change.  The game was frantic in the final moments of regulation time but ended 2-2. 

The referee then set up the guidelines for penalty shots to decide the game.  The first 5 shooters from each team would decide the game and if the teams were still tied, then go to a sudden death shoot-out until one team wins.  Barcelona's first three shooters, Sam K, Ben N, and Dylan M all scored but after 5 shooters both teams had 3 goals each.  Ben N was outstanding in goal as he had been during the second half.  Eventually all 7 players on the field for both teams took shots and the score was still tied.  It wasn't until the rotation started over that the tie was finally broken, sending Barcelona to a crushing defeat. 

In the post-game talk from the coaches, the boys were reminded of famous soccer players that had missed penalty shots.  The nervous pressure was new to the kids and it was important for the team to remember all of the good things they had accomplished during the season.  Parents and coaches alike were proud of the team effort.