July 16, 2003

Utah Teams Continue to Knock-out Round at USA Cup

Three Utah teams continue their play at the Schwan's USA Cup in Blaine, Minnesota. U13B WW Sidekixx and U16G Warriors SC both continue in the Trophy Flight, and U17B Utah Rangers continue in the Cup Flight. You can click on the USA Cup logo for a link to the tournament website to get teams results.

Dave Woolley of the Utah Rangers sent a report of Wednesday's match:

In the final game of group play on Wednesday, July 16th, the U17 Rangers 86 team beat the Nomads 2-1 to take group "E" and win a very important rest day on Thursday before beginning the knock out round in Friday morning in quarter final action against the yet to be determined winner of group "B".

The Rangers came out strong in the first half, moving the ball nicely and creating some chances on goal, however it was an extra defensive effort from forward Tyson Firmage winning a pass back to the goalkeeper and putting it on goal. Moments later Nomads crossed a ball into the penalty area, the Ranger's GK took it out of the air, but got bumped and dropped the ball back into play to create a tap-in goal for the Nomads, ending the half 1-1.

The second half was all about heart---with both teams struggling to find the courage to play with heavy legs and the Rangers found the "Fight" to put together a brilliant second half, creating five great chances on goal. Alec Salmon came through for winner mid-way through the second half, winning the ball off a Nomad midfielder, taking the ball for a sprint and hitting a 40 yard outside shot into the upper right corner of the goal and wrapping the goalkeeper around the post in a failed effort to keep the ball out of the net.

Rangers win again, 2-1, take group "E" and have a rest day on Thursday before playing on Friday, July 18th, 9:35 am central standard time.