| One day tournament ends in style as the trophy changes hands |
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The heavy rains on Saturday did not stop the much anticipated one day tournament at SIUE. With 4 teams in participation, the first game was delayed till 9:30 and the concurrent game started 15 minutes later as players drove through the rain to get to the venue. The first game was between the 2009 International League champions Edwardsville All Starts (EAS) versus Edwardsville Alumni (EA). This game started on a high tempo with both sides making attempts at goal and weighing each other’s strengths. As a result of the pressure on EAS well composed defense, the captain sustained a minor twist on his ankle and while he was coming out, there was lapsed concentration that led to conceding a goal. This lead was however short lived as Roger drove past the middle releasing a low ball that went through the Alumni keeper’s hands. Both sides played a very competitive game and it was 1-1 when the referee blew the whistle to end the game. In the other first game, Springfield United beat St. Louis United 3-2 with their striker Peter scoring a hat-trick. STL Utd efforts to tie the game were fruitless as the Springfield defense kept the ball away from their goalmouth to avoid fast paced strikers from making any shots. Up next came Springfield against Edwardsville AllStars. The start of the 2nd set of games was marred by an injury sustained by Springfield's defender - Roosevelt. EAS had completely dominated the game and it was not a surprise that the collision of the teammates brought the game temporarily to a standstill afterwhich the game was called off as the player was rushed to Anderson hospital. This was the last of the games for Springfield as they bowed out due to the extended stay at the hospital. On the second field, however, things had turned ugly for Alumni. Stl utd came burning with vengeance and took every opportunity to score. The end result was a 6-0 beating in favor of STL Utd The finals saw two rivals EAS vs STL Utd. This was the match of the day played under reduced rain and perfect temperatures. Stl utd were the first ones to score through a hard short that came from Victor. In their natural way, EAS were quick to bounce back through Ed who was lucky to get a second strike on his original shot hence putting the home team back in contention. EAS had hoped to get at least a tie, but their hopes were scuttled by the industrious STL Utd who at the end of half time had scored a total of 5 goals to EAS’ 2. In the second half, EAS came out of their shell and made numerous attempts of a come- back. They totally dominated the 2nd half but the strikers were unable to convert good passes to goals. Stl Utd goalkeeper, Mosee, also pulled stunning saves to keep his boys in the lead. Just when EAS was hoping to get atleast a goal for their efforts, STL Utd got a breakthrough and buried EAS hopes when they scored the 6th goal from a well placed pass to Ochi who dribbled his way through the defense before releasing a sky high ball that went through the roof of the net. Final score was 6-2 in favor STL Utd to become the new 2009 4-team ISL final one day tournament. The games were refereed by two competent referees; Matt Williams and Roger. The next tournament will be the 12th annual Springfield International Soccer Tournament coming up on Saturday, 19th September in which EAS will be participating. |
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