For the first time in history, 3United faced off against ReUnited in a derby battle in a SIFL league game. 3United was prepared for one of the toughest games we would ever have to play and it was against a group of players that we call friends and brothers. The sun was out, the sky was blue, the pitch was dry and emotions were high.

 

3United started off facing into a bright, morning sun and prepared for battle. Straight from the first whistle, 3United was on the defensive all over the field. It was truly a team effort, with every 3U player going one hundred percent on each in every tackle and 50/50 ball. The pressure was held high by ReU, maintaining their pressure consistently and whole-heartedly for the entire 45 minutes. However, the 3U defense was able to stop all dangerous attacks despite spending the majority of the time in their half of the pitch. There was a hopeful moment halfway through the first 45 minutes when Oraz Arslanow ran onto a throughball alone behind the ReU defense, but Cody Ahlstrom made a spectacular save, arm out-stretched touching the ball just enough to put it off the bar. 3U’s sweat and calories burned were ultimately rewarded at half time with the scoreline still at 0-0, but knew there was another grueling 45 minutes to go.

 

The second half played out much the same but ReUnited stepped up there play and were launching balls toward the 3U net throughout the half. Matthias Kuck, 3U keeper, made some amazing saves and did a great job of cleaning up any loose shots and balls. However, despite all the hard work 3U could muster, the cards were not in their favor. They conceded a penalty which fortunately went wide of the post, an almost sure goal was blasted above the bar from less than 1 meter from the goal line, the defensive was able to stop dangerous shots from all across the box but alas a goal was earned by the ReU strikeforce after winning a ball in the midfield. Mandela won a ball near the middle circle, beat 3 defenders and smacked a grounder past a diving defender and keeper to give them the lead. The last 20 minutes was a back and forth battle but 3U was unable to create anything dangerous enough to give them a drawing goal. The game ended 1-0 to ReUnited with a well-deserved win. Maybe next time 3United.

 

Pablo Carbonero won man of the match honors for 3United.