Fire Advance to State Cup Semifinals!

The Fire made the long trip up to Orangeburg NY to face World Class 97 for the State Cup quarter finals.

The game began much like yesterday in NPT. A little slow for us and on our heals for a couple minutes. We regained our composure quickly and took it back to them. It was clear that this was going to be a battle the whole game. They had 2 fast good forwards trying to break free but our defense kept them in check. We tried to get chances but were also shut down. then about halfway into the first half, our center midfielder took a long hard shot that tucked inside the right corner for a 1-0 lead. Back and forth we fought and at halftime it was still 1-0.

The second half continued to play out the same way as the first with both teams pressing for opportunities but not many to be had. Another long shot from midfield was high and the keeper just got a hand on it and it rebounded off the crossbar and back on the field. A good opportunity that almost gave us the much needed 2 goal lead. Time kept ticking away and it looked like maybe this one goal was all we were going to get. Could we hold them off. A corner by world class was beautifully placed in front and hit into our post and eventually cleared. A bullet was dodged there. We spent the last 3 minutes fighting them off and giving no ground. We had another chance in their box but couldn't convert. The final whistle blew and we still had the lead. The girls did it! Final; Fire 1, World Class 0.

An unbelievable game girls! Those last few minutes where you held them off and fought for the ball was beautiful to watch. The dream is still alive as we advance to the STAE CUP SEMIFINALS!! Fantanstic job girls! I couldn't be more proud of you all!

-Coach Ernesto

5/2/10