June 22, 2008

Weather conditions were nearly perfect for day two of the Region II Championships with morning showers giving way to bright sunshine before the first whistle blew and the usual wind setting the stage for some highly anticipated matchups.

The 90 Javanon Boys started the day with an exciting display of high level soccer. Finding themselves down 2-1 to Cincinnati United Premier (CUP) in the second half they continued to push forward hoping to be rewarded for their efforts. At about the 70th minute a free kick was awarded 20 yards out. Matt Weston hit a professional level strike that rocketed under the crossbar to draw the match even. The CUP side showed their grit and answered almost immediately to regain the lead. Not to be outdone, the 90 Boys Rashad Masri headed in a perfect cross in the 75th minute to keep the match even. Jimmy Crick would be the hero today as he found the net in the 85th minute for the eventual winner and a final score of 4-3. The 90 Boys will face a strong Nebraska side for the opportunity to advance to the semi-finals, as they did the last time they were in Rockford for Regionals.

The rest of the day was charcterized by disappointment and opportunities lost for all but one of the Javanon teams. The 91 Boys found themselves in excellent position, up 3-1 against United 1996 (KY) with 31 minutes remaining only to allow 2 goals and place 2 own goals to end the game with a stunning 5-3 loss. Other Javanon sides also found challenges as the 94 Boys, 91 Girls, 90 Girls, 95 Boys and 92 Javanon Boys teams all fell.

The 89 Girls tied for the second consecutive day, making it difficult to advance. The 95 Girls however ended the day on a positive note for the club as they dominated their South Dakota opponent on the way to a convincing 4-1 victory.

The 90 Boys have the best opportunity to advance tomorrow with several other teams needing a win and some help to stay in Rockford for another day.