BU-18 Reach Finals in Rider Tournament

The BU-18 team traveled to New Jersey on June 21-22 for the Rider Tournament. The weekend started out on Saturday morning against the Brooklyn Italians.  As most of the season has gone the game was tight in the first half but the Italians finished the game on the winning  side of a 5-2 score.  The game was better than the score indicates but not a great way to start the tournament.  The second game was on Saturday afternoon against the New Jersey Boca Juniors.  The Rhinos allowed an early goal but were able to battle back for a 2-1 win, leaving them with a chance to make the playoffs if they won their Sunday game. 

The game on Sunday was against Lawrence Hamnett.  Hamnett tied the Brooklyn Italians 0-0 the day before.  Therefore the Jr.Rhinos had to win in order to make the playoffs.  It was a 0-0 first half.  The Jr.Rhinos scored 10 minutes into the second half.  They were in control until 10 minutes to go in the half when Hamnett began to put on a lot of pressure.  The Jr. Rhino's were called for a hand ball in the box and Hamnett was  given a PK.  Jimmy Frascatti came up with the game saving play blocking the penalty kick.  The team held on after the PK and advanced to the playoffs. 

This was a huge success for a team that has struggled for much of the season.  The Jr. Rhino's continued their run into the finals of the tournament against the team they first faced, the Brooklyn Italians.  Both teams were pushed straight through to the finals without a semi-final.  It was a 0-0 game at halftime but the Jr. Rhinos did eventually fall to the Italians 3-0.  They gave up another PK and allowed two late goals which came off counters for sending many numbers forward.  It was a successful weekend and a big confidence builder, the Rhinos U18 have 3 games left for their season in the Upstate Premier Soccer League where they have a record of 1-3-1.  They are looking forward to a strong finish.