The Journey Continues as the U17 Boys Advance to the NPL National Final

Posted On July 13, 2014 by PUSC

You’ve all heard about the “Rumble in the Jungle,” and the “Thrilla in Manilla.” Well add another one to those old classics, the “Battle in the Boro” as the 2014 NPL National semi-final game in Greensboro N.C was all that and more. In the red corner was Space United FC, the NPL Champions from Florida. In the yellow corner was Placer United, the NPL Champions from northern California.

For the first 15- 20 minutes of the first half, both teams played a little cautious as they poked and prodded each other looking to find an opening. Over last 20 minutes both teams really went at each other with lots of hooks, jabs, and punches, but neither side seemed able to find that first knock down.

The second half of the game was a completely different story and worth every penny of the price of admission as the red team really came to play. After some light exchanges, the red team rocked the boys in yellow. But somehow, the sub stayed afloat. The warning signs were there and clearly visible to all. Something big was about to happen. In the 67th minute it arrived. A quick combination on the edge of the box, a cross whipped in and the knock down was delivered. Placer was down 1-0  and looking wobbly .

For the next few minutes instructions from the yellow corner where simple. Stick to the game plan, stay out of trouble, and pass-n-move. Slowly, a yellow brick road was laid and a pathway to OZ begin to appear.

With three minutes left on the clock and the dream starting to disappear, the blow was delivered. Carlos Lomeli released Isaul Bautista down the line. Isaul looked up and whipped in a great cross towards Brayden Sullivan. His shot was blocked by the keeper but rebounded to Corban Anderson who delivered the hit. Now the clock said 88 minutes and the dream was back on.

The Florida champs were now dazed and confused and the yellow sub had them in their cross-hairs as they pushed forward more and more looking for the knockout. In minute 92 with the referee about to blow for extra time, the man of the hour, Captain Courageous Corban Anderson, stepped up again as he volleyed home a ball from all of 30 yards out. What a shot! What a game! Placer United 2! Space United FC 1!

The boys are now in the 2014 NPL National Final. Great job by all players. Go Placer!