With Friday morning came the realization that we were no longer in the Gothia Cup competition. Faces were still showing some upset emotion when the coaching staff arrived at the school. We were able to book a couple of friendlies for today on the second last day of the tour.
First up was CSK VVS Samara 1 from Russia. This team was a very defensive based team that worked very hard and had pretty solid technical skill. Russia scored an early goal in the first half and stayed in the lead thanks to some great saves from their keeper. Second half saw Braedyn score on a penalty kick after being brought down in the box. Mikayla added the game winner with 15 minutes left from a shot that was almost on the goal line. Not sure how exactly she slotted it in but a very nice goal nonetheless. Final score was 2-1 in our favour. A good game with lots of sportsmanship between the two teams.
The second match of the day and what would be the last of the tour was against Inter Milan of Italy. With the game slotted to start at 5:00pm, I think the Italians forgot to set their watches as they strolled in with smiles and warm welcomes to the field around 5:05pm. So the game actually started about 5:30pm and this was a fun match to watch. Inter Milan was the exact opposite of the Russian team. They were an attacking team with great 1v1 skills. So with two attacking teams going full steam forward, we knew we were in for a few goals this game. Mikayla opened the scoring with a beautiful shot into the top corner of the net. Inter countered five minutes later to even the score. Mikayla scored another goal 10 minutes later to put us up 2-1. Inter countered with another good goal to even the score at 2-2. The girls controlled the second half and hit multiple posts and crossbars, with the Inter keeper also making some great saves to keep the score tied. Inter actually took the lead with 15 minutes left after a defensive mistake allowed the Inter striker to walk in on a breakaway where she made no mistake and slotted the ball past Jess and into the net. With time running down the Fusion pressed hard for the equalizer and were rewarded with one minute left in the match. Christine B hammered a volley from 25 yards out that hit the inside back bar and bounced out so quick that many did not even know it went in. A great volley that was hit perfectly by Christine. So with the match ending in a draw the two teams decided to go to Pk’s to settle the draw. All five Fusion player’s scored on their shots and Jess made a great save to give the Fusion the victory. A great way to finish off the playing portion of the tour. The two teams then spent time exchanging pins and taking some pictures before heading back to their respective schools. A good day of soccer with the opportunity to play two countries that we will probably never have the chance to play against again. Most definitely a moment the girls will remember for the rest of their lives. Almost forgot........ the group hug to finish the tour. The pic is above and a great way to salute two good weeks of soccer.
So tomorrow we will go watch the finals for the G-15. Gamala Upsala who knocked us out have reached the finals to the girls displeasure. Knowing that could have been them, has made the loss that much tougher to swallow. After the final we will be meeting up with a U-12 girls team from China who comes from one of the poorest areas in their country. We will be donating 150lbs of used equipment, soccer uniforms, shoes and new balls to them tomorrow.
Good night all,
Coach Dave
