Game summary
The Championship match started disappointingly as Region III gave up an early goal then fell behind by 2 midway through the first half. The atypically dissapointing first half performance was given a boost when Jason Chapman got behind the defense and pulled one back for Region III just before halftime. The goal restored a bit of momentum and confidence which was buoyed by Coach Suhnholtz inspirational halftime speech. The second half started much like the first ended with Chapman once again getting behind the defense to slot the ball past the Alajuela goalkeeper, this time tying the score. The stalemate wouldn't last long, as Alajuela went ahead again off of near post finish from a corner kick. It would prove to be the last goal they would get, but not the last they would need. Region III, relying on effectiveness over quality soccer, equalized again through Kevin Cabello, when he headed over the goalkeeper from Alex Hutchins' long throw-in. Hutchins' long throw would prove to be Alajuela's undoing, when another Hutchins' throw caused confusion in the box that led to an own goal with five minutes left to give Region III the championship. It was an incredible match, made even more impressive by the fact that Region III played much of the second half a man down after David Dodge received his second yellow card for a hard tackle. But the passion Dodge showed in the tackle ultimately transferred to his teammates and helped inspire the win. The night and the tour culminated with a closing ceremony with all of the participating teams. A slide show of the week's pictures was presented as was the championship trophy. Coach Suhnholtz reflected on the tournament and the boys performance by saying he had not won a tournament in such a dramatic fashion in his entire career. Kevin Laux, University of Mobile
Additional notes:
In the 2 years that the U17 ODP Regional teams have played in Costa Rica, this years Region III team is the first to win any games against the Costa Rica u17 National team or any of the 3 semi-pro teams. The semi-pro teams consist of 18-24 year olds who provide the 5 substitute positions for their respective pro teams. In the closing ceremonies, the Region III ’91 team received a standing ovation from their peer US teams.
Final Tournament Results
http://www.costaricasoccer.com/2009BoysODPstats.shtml
