Budapest Football II: Boys ODP (Day 8)

Game Time, 2002 Starting Line Up.

The '02's returned to the FC Budapest International tournament having not lost a game thus far. Their opponent in the semifinals was from the Ukraine. The boys, after three difficult games on the day before, started out slow and sluggish but little by little started  gaining a foothold in the international affair. Griffin Yow struck the only goal of the game in the 18th minute when he finished off a through ball from Diego X. Later in the hard fought and physical affair, the Ukrainian team took a straight red card and went down to 10 men. Although outnumbered this propelled Ukraine into a fury of activity and made the final ten minutes difficult for the '02s. 

This win solidified the VA '02s a place in the prestigious Ute Kupa 2016 against the home side FC Budapest. The first half was a 60/40 advantage in favor of FC Budapest. Hence, the '02s enter half time 0-0. Starting the second half, the tilt from side to side was still present with the raucous cheers from the Budapest spectators .  Buda- pest! Buda-pest! As the Virginian's surged forward in an effort to get a go-ahead goal, they were caught on the counter attack at the 31:00 min mark. Goallllll! 1-0 FC Budapest. 

With immense tactical acumen from the staff, VA pushed as many number as possible into the attack. Unfortunately this last ditch effort fell flat with another goal for Budapest in the 38:00 min.  Unable to overcome the two goal deficit, the final result ended as 2-0 with the finalist trophy in the hands of the Americans. A brief medal ceremony to include the handing out of the silver Ute Kupa commenced. The boys were gracious in defeat and represented the country, state and their families with class and respect for their international opponents.  

Gordon Miller, VYSA TD, Head Coach Boys 2002