On Saturday June 27th, PASCO pummeled the Montgomery SC Predators (VA)
5-0. On Sunday, the Central Penn Youth Alliance (PA) put up a valiant fight before succumbing 3-1. On Monday morning, Tap Santos (VA) gave PASCO a scare before allowing a second half goal which gave PASCO a 1-0 victory and a spot in the Regional Semi-finals. In the Monday afternoon semi-final, PASCO blanked the Vineland Galaxy (NJ State Cup Finalist) 1-0 to give PASCO its third shutout in 4 games and a spot in the finals!
On Tuesday morning June 30th, PASCO played arch rival Jersey Shore Boca Alliance (NJ) in the Regional final. In fact, PASCO is undefeated since it lost to Jersey Shore Boca in a shoot out on May 9th in the New Jersey Cup Semi-final 3-2. THE REGIONAL FINAL GAVE PASCO A CHANCE TO AVENGE THE MAY 9TH LOSS.
Both teams entered the final with identical 4-0 tournament records. However, BOCA entered the Final having scored 20 goals in its first 4 games, compared to only 10 goals scored by PASCO against virtually identical competition. In a fierce defensive battle played in extremely windy conditions, PASCO was unable to capitalize on the wind advantage in the first half and the teams started the second half tied at 0-0. Playing against a brutal wind in the second half, Vinny Romeo scored on a majestic shot from 30 yards out and Exau Paz scored off of a skillful cross to put PASCO ahead 2-0. Boca refused to concede the match and cut the lead to 2-1 with 5 minutes remaining. The PASCO defense shut the door on the Boca offense and PASCO won the Regional Championship 2-1!
Since the heartbreaking loss to Boca on May 9th, PASCO is undefeated in its last 23 matches. In addition to winning all 5 games at the Regional Tournament, PASCO went undefeated (5-0) at the prestigious Potomac Tournament held in Germantown, MD over the Memorial Day Weekend, defeating premier teams from New York, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio on its way to the Tournament Championship.
In addition to competing in U.S. Club Soccer Tournaments, PASCO also competes in the highly competitive Mid Atlantic Region of the USL Super Y League. The team recently competed an undefeated 7-0-5 record against the best club teams from Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. In the 12 Super Y contests, the stalwart PASCO defense allowed a total of 9 goals! The club completed its undefeated season with a 1-1 tie on July 11th (S. Jersey Barons), a 3-0 drubbing of the Reading (PA) Rage on July 12th and an incredible come from behind 3-2 victory on July 15th against the New York Magic. Despite being down 2-0 with less than 15 minutes left in the game, PASCO scored 3 goals in the last 12 minutes to complete the undefeated season! As a result of the huge comeback and undefeated season, PASCO qualified for the USL Super Y National Championships in Tampa, FL in late NOVEMBER.
2 National Championships are still within reach! GO PASCO! |
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The competition was intense and included 16 teams from New Jersey, Maryland, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Wash., DC and Ohio.
In their opening match on Saturday morning, PASCO defeated a strong Pennsylvania opponent (HMMS Eagle FC 91) by a score of 2 to 1. In the afternoon match, PASCO dominated its Virginia opponent (NVSC Heat Premier 91) by a score of 4 to 1.
Needing only a tie to advance to the semi-finals, PASCO left nothing to chance on Sunday morning shutting out a solid team from Long Island (Lynbrook/ER Magic) by a score of 2 nil.
In Sunday's Semi-final game, PASCO faced a talented squad from Maryland (MSC Revolution) which had advanced from a brutal bracket that included the NY Rough Riders, Chicago Wind and Century V United (PA). In a classic defensive battle, PASCO was up for the challenge and shut out the powerful MSC Revolution 1 nil to reach Monday's Championship Match.
In the Championship Game, PASCO built a 3-1 second half advantage on several magnificent individual efforts and some splendid passing against a game opponent from Ohio (Columbus FC). PASCO withstood a furious flurry by Columbus in the final minutes to win the Championship Game 3 to 2. A total team effort of strong defense, midfield control, offensive power and strong goalkeeping added up to an undefeated weekend and the coveted Potomac Championship Plaque.
Congratulations to the U17 boys and their Coaches Marcelo Fracchia and Giovanni Ormache!
The team now turns its attention to its intense SuperY schedule and the US Club Regionals in
Pittsgrove,NJ June 27-29. |
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