United U16B Black Competed in Final Tournament of the Season in Ripon
Posted On March 14, 2011 by PUSC
The first game in group bracket saw the U16 ease past Ebbett’s Pass Gold 7-0. Goals from Kyle Sakurada (2), Ryan Longley, Iggy Recendez and a hat-trick from Eddie Hernandez secured a one-sided game.
The second game was not as one sided, a tough scrappy game Vs. International Zephyr (Reno, NV) was decided just before half-time. The goal came courtesy of Eddie Hernandez, who raced onto a well-weighted pass from Kyle Sakurada and smashed home from the edge of the box. Placer was also indebted to Steven Fraser’s defending from the front, Tim Yefimov’s support play in wide areas and Cameron Sing, who made 2 great saves to keep the lead. Placer won 1-0.
In Sunday’s semi-final versus Reno Galaxy, Placer enjoyed lots of the ball early on and should have been ahead within minutes after Eric Tassev worked hard to get into the area but headed narrowly wide. Placer went ahead thanks to a Eddie Hernandez tap-in after good work down the left from Billy Baker. The second goal came soon after, Yoan Chamberlin getting on the end of a Favio Torres cross. Cade Christensen was solid in defense and Iggy Recendez worked his socks off in center midfield to give Placer a 2-0 lead at half-time. The boys started flat in the second half and paid for this as Reno Galaxy scored twice in quick succession to make it 2-2. But goals for Austin Ketchersid and a second for Eddie allowed Placer to win 4-2 and move on to the afternoon final versus Modesto Ajax.
The final was a tense game, with both teams battling hard but having to deal with the swirling windy conditions. The Ajax GK was the busier and made a top-class save from close range to keep it 0-0 at halftime. Mid-way through the second half the deadlock was broken. Placer had Eddie Hernandez to thank as he struck a low shot past the keeper from just inside the box, to give Placer the lead. Ajax pushed numbers forward late in the game but stout defending from Ryan Longley, Chantz Riise, Favio Torres and Billy Baker ensured Placer saw the remaining few minutes out unscathed and to win the Cup.
Well done boys!