On a sunny, not-so-polluted Saturday afternoon in WGQ, 3United, the only 1st division team left in the running, faced Azzurri, undefeated in 2015, in a heated battle in the quarterfinal of the SIFL cup.

The game started out with both teams raring for a goal – both eager to get a win to advance into the semifinals. After a very physical 20 minutes, which saw 3U get 3 yellow cards, it was Azzurri who were able to put a point up onto the board first after intercepting a pass in the backfield and netting one past the keeper. 10 minutes later due to a defensive lapse due to a slippery pitch, the Azzurri were able to double their lead, with a ball netted into the left corner across the keeper’s box. First half, 0-2, Azzurri.

The intensity in the second half, not only didn’t die down, but may have even increased. Every 50/50 ball was a battle and the defenses of each team were kept constantly busy for 25 minutes. Sergio Parla, the 3United keeper had one great one handed save and a key 1 on 1 stop, while the Azzurri defense’s efforts stopped the many dangerous plays 3United launched against them. After going down 2 goals in the first half 3United’s enthusiasm was not discouraged and lead to Mandela Ngueguim to score from a 25 yard, lobshot from into right corner of the net to make it 1-2. With renewed vigor, it looked like 3United would find the equalizer but once again the Azzurri won a ball in the backfield and were able to shoot a 3rd ball by the 3U keeper, increasing their lead back to 2. Instead of getting discouraged and giving up, 3U’s tenacity grew and were rewarded with a clinical play leading up from the defense and a scorcher of a goal by Nick Law. With only 5 to play, it looked as if Azzurri could hold up the attack and claim the win but it was not written in the stars. Mandela Ngueguim dribbled a ball from the edge of the box between 3 defenders and slice the equalizer into the right side of the net to give 3U the 3-3 they were looking for. Regular time ended, 3-3, with the game to go into to 10 minute halves of overtime.

The Azzurri started with the ball but 3U took the pressure to them early and earned a throw-in down the right side 2 minutes in. A throw-in by Derek Yesionowski, made it past the heads of the defenders to Romain Peythieu waiting near the penalty spot, whom with a graceful, back-flicked lob into the top left corner gave 3United the lead for the first time in the game. The Azzurri’s heads dropped and the 3U spirit was at maximum levels. 2 minutes later, 3United was awarded a free-kick from outside the box. Orazgeldi Arslanow placed a curved blast perfectly around the wall into far right side of the net to give 3United a 2 goal lead – the icing on the cake. The Azzurri renewed their attack in the second half but were unable to create any dangerous chances due to the defensive efforts of the entire team. As the whistle blew, it was 3United of the 1st division who claimed victory and are advancing to the semifinals of SIFL cup. Final score, 5-3, 3United.