Gold Medal Watch: Boys and Girls Soccer Finals

Negoesco Field was very busy Monday afternoon as the Boys and Girls Gold Medal Soccer Finals took place simultaneously. The girl’s matchup saw San Mateo, USA take on Cork, Ireland while the boys had a battle of two undefeated teams, Athens, Greece and Plock, Poland.

Both matches were extremely exciting, especially considering what was at stake. Cheering and screaming could be heard from both sides of the pitch and the crowd was filled with friends, family and tons of athletes from around the world.

The girl’s game moved back and forth like a seesaw and needed penalties to settle the dispute. After trading goals back and forth in regulation, the match headed into a tense extra-time period with the score dead locked at 2-2. Despite some close chances, no team could close the deal which forced penalties.

The girls from Cork shot first and missed just over the net. San Mateo answered with a strong kick to the left side of the net which proved good. Down a goal and needing to get back into it, Cork missed their second shot by inches, pushing it past the left side post. With gold in their eyes, San Mateo delivered the decisive kick and claimed top spot on their home soil.

The boy’s match was just as exciting and had no need for additional time. With both team’s entering the finals undefeated, one knew to look for a great soccer game. Expectations were met, as both squads showed up with class and played smart, quick and technical football.

The Polish were aggressive right out of the gate. By the second half they coasted to a comfortable 3-1 lead with a hard and accurate kick from 20 yards out that found its way to the far post, beating a sprawling Greek keeper.

Down 3-1, the Athenians opened up their play against the boys from Plock who retreated defensively. This combination made way for some excellent chances and incredible saves from the Polish keeper. They were able to pull it to within one goal, but never managed to tie the game. Undoubtedly, the goalie from Plock was the difference, forcing aside chances from every direction, pushing balls over the crossbar and denying shots from up close.

“It was very lucky but also a bit of skill,” said Adrian. The 15 year old Polish goalkeeper played a pivotal role in the championship win. “This is a very nice feeling. The game was very difficult and we are happy to come out on top,” he said.

Putting in a crucial goal in the first half that helped his team to victory, Matthew was thrilled with the win. “It was awesome, very cool,” the striker said. The success of Plock was rooted in unity and team work. “We played well not so much as individuals but as a whole team together,” he said. “We’re very proud of the win and now everyone knows about Plock,” he said with a grin.

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