Congratulations to the U16B Recreational team coached by Recreational Director, Kyle McLeish, for being champions of the 2012 TBU Gasparilla Cup.
On Saturday, in the opening match of the tournament, the team faced a very tough Brandon Trojans and started the tournament with a great 1-0 win. The success continued as the team won their next two matches earning them the right to play in the semi-final. In the semi-final, Fusion faced the East Pasco Lightning and they dominated the game with a possession style of play and beat East Pasco 4-1. This result avenged a 3-1 loss early in the season to East Pasco. In the final the team was matched up against Rural Youth Red Bulls. Fusion got off to an early lead scoring two fantastic free kick goals, but the Red Bulls managed to score before the end of the first half. As the second half began, both teams had multiple chances to score and the game was very entertaining. The Red Bulls would score first in the second half and tied the game at 2-2 with 20 minutes left in the match. Fusion responded 10 minutes later with the go ahead goal and a 3-2 lead. The Red Bulls countered off a set piece with 2 minutes left in the match and tied the game at 3-3. As the match ended that teams would go straight to penalty kicks. Fusion would end up kicking first and all 5 of the Fusion players made their penalty kicks. The Red Bulls would make their first four penalty kicks. As the Red Bulls 5th shooter stepped up to take the kick with the game on the line, The Fusion Goal Keeper Alex Ball made a great save and secured the win for the Fusion U16B crowning them Champions of the Gasparilla Cup.
Congratulations to Coach Kyle and the assistant coaches, Shaun and Don. and all the players for this accomplishment.
