CUP REPORT; Madison 1 Polonia Falcon Stars 1 ( 3-5 Penalty Shoot Out)

The Celts crashed out of the State Cup just short of a final berth. A game of high incident, action and drama saw the Celts narrowly lose out to a 5-3 penalty shoot out after the teams were tied 0-0 after the regulation 90 minutes and 1-1 after extra time. Both teams had plenty of chances to win this game over the first ninety minutes but great goalkeeping and defending at both ends of the field blunted the attacking efforts of the visitors and frustrated a home team trying to get to their first ever final.  Great performances from Johnny B and Roniildo in the midfield were equally complimented by a brave performance from the whole defensive back line.  Near misses, shots off the bar and great saves were the hallmark of the first 90 minutes. But the game had stalemate written all over it and even when the extra time started it didn't look like either team would break through. As the game stretched into the 110th minute the game opened up as both teams tired. It looked like the Celts could  get that elusive first break in the game when David raced into the opposition box and at close range let loose a vicious shot that was parried by the goalkeeper. Within seconds the Polish visitors broke down the Madison left side and when Tim had a small "Gerard like" slip on the edge of the penalty box, they did not hesitate to take advantage and slam the ball into the net for the go ahead goal. With only a matter of minutes left on the clock that looked likely to be it for the Celts. But to their credit the Celts kept plugging away and amazingly with the game on its last vapors, a free kick for the Celts was fired into the box by Johnny B straight towards the goal. The visitor goalie went for the ball but as he grabbed it he spun around crossing his own line. The linesman and ref did not hesitate to award the goal much to the anguish and anger of the Polonia Stars. After  much waiting around and debate the game restarted but ended after a second with the final whistle sending both teams straight to a nerve racking penalty shoot out. With both teams lined up at the half way line each penalty taker had to take a lonely walk up to take his shot at goal and glory. To their credit the visitors slammed every one of their first 4 penalties into the net giving the Hulk no chance. The Celts had only missed one penalty but that was enough of a gap to allow the Falcons last spot taker to walk up and slam the decisive shot over the line to give them a 5-3 win and a place in the final.
It was a heart breaking end for the Celts after a hard fought game but the team deserves a lot of credit for playing so well over the 2 hours and more of the game. The winning coach Mirek was quoted after the game as saying,  " That was probably the most competitive and dramatic game i have ever played in. Almost like the World Cup!"

MAN OF THE MATCH;  So many good players on the day with the Hulk,  Roniildo, David, Jim, Mike and Tim playing out of their skins as well as the rest of the defenders. But for his goal and all round attacking play the MOM goes to Johnny B