Banner Day For Arizona Clubs At National Championships
DALLAS (Tuesday, July 25, 2017) – It was a banner first day for the two Arizona teams competing at the 2017 US Youth Soccer National Championships in Dallas as Tuzos Academy 02 Boys overcame a two-goal deficit at halftime to win their match 3-2 while Scottsdale Blackhawks 00 Girls played lockdown defense and walked away with a 1-0 victory.
Tuzos played in the early match, which was slated for a 7:00 a.m. local start (5:00 a.m. Arizona time). The team got off to a slow start due to the time difference and saw itself down at the half, 2-0, to ID Club Division (TX). Despite the deficit, spirits were high as Tuzos had three opportunities in the first half just miss including a shot that hit off the post.
The breakthrough came in the 45th minute when forward Justin Villalba collected a long ball, cut a defender, and slotted home the opening goal. Tuzos continued to push and Villalba earned a penalty for Tuzos in the 60th minute. Angel Ramirez stepped up and calmly converted the opportunity. The comeback was complete in the 72nd minute when a great individual effort by Brian Machado Cicairos saw him round a defender, cut a second defender, and then dribble past the two defenders for a far post goal. Tuzos held on for the 3-2 victory. They face Boca OC 02 White tomorrow at 7:00 a.m. Arizona time. This match will be LIVE STREAMED.
The Blackhawks won their match thanks to a Hannah Hale goal in the 16th minute. Both teams started to feel each other out in the opening minutes and once Cup 00 Gold (SC) started to sit, Blackhawks were able to play out of back to the midfield. It allowed an opportunity for Hale to run up to a through ball for a nice far post finish over the opposing goalkeeper.
Defensively, the Blackhawks held strong even though the match was a little later in the day when temperatures and the humidity started to rise. Solid first match performance for Blackhawks who face Sporting Omaha FC Elite tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. Arizona time. This match will be LIVE STREAMED.
For up to the minute results, fans can follow AYSA on Twitter