June 24, 2004

U16 Inter FC Boys Advance to Semifinals at
Far West Regional Championships

Inter FC Premier U16 Boys won its quarterfinal match at the US Youth Soccer Far West Regional Championships. Inter FC advances to the semifinals by defeating Real Colorado National 1-0. The first half of the game was a defensive battle by both teams. Inter FC's defense of Scott Pankiewicz, Russell McCluskey, and Ryan Satterthwaite was strong and organized. Twenty minutes into the 2nd half the goal was scored when James Jaramillo received the ball, turned and put the ball through the defense to Kellin Christensen who faked the goalkeeper and slotted the ball into the net. Goalkeeper Nate Miller anchored the defense as they held on against a determined Colorado Real offense. In the last minutes of the game Colorado was awarded a free kick about 4 yards outside the box that narrowly missed the goal and hit the side of the net.

UYSA's Technical Director, Greg Maas said, "I am proud of the way Inter FC played the game. Inter FC's defense was well organized and they were disrupting and dangerous on the attack. Inter FC Premier will continue their quest for gold in a semi-final match Friday against FC United from Washington.

Inter FC Premier boys U16 is coached by Mark Graham. The team practices and plays their home games in Sandy, Utah; however, the team draws quality players from across the Wasatch Front. The team features many Utah Olympic Development Program (ODP) players including James Jaramillo and Kellin Christensen who play on the Region IV ODP team. To advance to this stage of the Championships, Inter FC beat NLV Cobras from Nevada 4 to 1 and Flathead Force from Montana 2-0.

Paul C. Burke, President of UYSA said, "It is a magnificent achievement for a Utah team to reach the semifinals. We are hopeful that Inter FC Premier will bring home the Regional Championship and qualify for the National Championships."