USL Super-20 Round-Up
Friday, July 22, 2011
BRANDON, Fla. - On a damp evening, the second night of The 2011 United Soccer Leagues Super-20 Women’s North American Finals kicked off with Triangle FC facing Toronto Lynx Juniors and Reading United AC facing the Victoria Highlanders. Another late goal proved decisive for Triangle FC as they edged Toronto, 1-0.
After a scoreless first half of play, Triangle went close early in the second half as Toronto’s goalkeeper mishandled and Triangle’s Farrell Sweeney struck a volley just off target. Soon thereafter, Sweeney beat the Toronto offside trap and nearly converted on a counter-attack. The majority of scoring chances went to Triangle, but Toronto played well through midfield and nearly connected on long passes in behind Triangle’s outside backs. The Junior Lynx had plenty of possession and were forced to play one down for an extended period of time due to an injury.
On a decision that swapped midfielders, Sweeney went to the left flank. This tactical change had an immediate effect on the match as Sweeney was able to exploit space behind the Toronto defenders and keep creating attacking options down the wing. Cruising down the left side, Sweeney crossed a great ball toward the back post. In an incredible play, the ball seemingly sat on the line for seconds, only for Toronto's defense to recover and clear.
Chances kept falling for Triangle as they pressed for the winning goal, but it was Eve Badana who kept them at bay. The former Canadian U17 National Team goalkeeper had a few remarkable saves in the second half, with her best save coming off a Triangle corner that was headed just inside the back post. Somehow Badana got a hand to it and pushed the ball wide of the post, keeping the game scoreless.
Toronto and Badana looked to have secured their first point of the tournament, but another late goal doomed them to a second defeat. Triangle’s late goal was scored by Ashley Clark after a long ball over the Toronto back line. Clark ran onto the pass and guided the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper.
“We had plenty of chances in front of goal again tonight and I think the win was well deserved. These late dramatics are enough to give a coach a heart attack.” Triangle FC Head Coach Pete Sadin said.
An early goal for Reading against Victoria was enough for a 1-0 win and United's first points of the tournament. Reading's victory opens the group up as Triangle has two wins, while Reading and Victoria now have one each. Reading will face Toronto in its final game, while Triangle will face Victoria knowing a draw will be enough to advance to Sunday's final.
“We came here with 17 players and they all played well tonight. Tomorrow is another must-win to stay alive.” Reading United AC Head Coach Drew Kaufman said.