MILWAUKEE (May 1, 2010) — If Fernando Gatica’s debut in the starting lineup is any indication, Detroit United is a serious threat to reach the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.
The Argentinean-born target striker tallied a pair of superb goals on Saturday as Detroit United eliminated the Milwaukee Kickers 2-1 in the USASA Region II quarterfinals at Uihlein Soccer Park.
Gatica’s work on a warm, windy afternoon pushed United within one victory of a berth in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. It was especially important because Detroit United left Michigan at 11:30 p.m. Friday with only 11 total players. Then, when Sean Nesbitt took ill, he was only able to give a few minutes at a stretch, leaving his team down a man for much of the match.
But the Kickers, who surprised Bavarian SC 3-1 to win the Wisconsin state title and advance to the Region II quarterfinals, could never find a comfort level on their home field.
“We seemed to be a little out of sorts on both ends, offense and defense,” said John Sweeney, the Kickers coach.
After Nate Robinson was foiled by the underside of the crossbar in the 12th minute, he initiated the sequence that led to United’s first goal in the 29th minute. Following a nice run into the right corner, a cross was sent in and then a rebound went high in the air. Gatica measured it and delivered a dynamic scissor kick from just outside the goal box at the far post.
United controlled most of the action for the remainder of the half. In the last couple of minutes, the Kickers generated a pair of good through balls and one opportunity in front of the goal but couldn’t convert.
Playing with the wind largely at their backs in the second half, United used it to score their second goal in the 68th minute. A long punt by the keeper found the burly Gatica at the right of the penalty area. He shook his mark to the ground to gain some space, then beat Nick Farrell for the 2-0 lead.
“It’s hard to foul me,” said the 21-year-old, who played high school soccer in New Jersey and spent some time with the Waza professional indoor team of the PASL. “The goalie came out and saw I had a teammate coming in. He left the near post a little open and that’s where I finished.
The Kickers pulled with in a goal in the 72nd minute. Detroit United was whistled for a handball just outside the penalty area. Kyle Ingold decided on a quick restart as the wall was forming, and his left-footed effort curled around that wall to make it 2-1. They couldn’t generate the equalizer, while at the other end Gatica missed a few golden opportunities for a hat trick against a thinned-out defense.
“This is his first game as a starter, since some of our other starters are not here,” said Detroit United coach George Juncaj, “I guarantee you he will start (in our next game).”
United plays May 15 in the semifinals against an opponent to be determined.
USASA Region II Quarterfinal schedule
(Saturday, May 1 unless noted – All times Eastern)
KC Athletics (KS) 4:4 Des Moines Menace USASA (IA) (KC advances 6-5 in PKs)
Detroit United (MI) 2:1 Milwaukee Kickers (WI)
Fire SC ‘00 (MN) at AAC Eagles (IL) – 4 p.m. Sunday, May 2 (Toyota Park turf field)
St. Paul Twin Stars (MN – NPSL) at 402 Academy (NE) – 4 p.m. Sunday, May 2
USASA Region II semifinals schedule
(All games are Saturday, May 15 – All times Eastern)
Blind draw for the semifinals will be held Saturday, May 1
*Semifinal winners will qualify for the 2010 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup