WOODBINE – The Maryland Bays are heading back to the USASA Region I qualifying tournament for the second time in as many years after defeating local rivals Charm City by the score of 3-1. In winning, the Bays secured their berth in the Region I tournament at the expense of Charm City, as in 2011, when they defeated Charm City by the score of 5-1.
The outcome of the game was never really in doubt this year either as the Bays opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Mike Gill beat Charm City keeper Mike Sevehla. He received the ball from Man of the Match Powell Cucciella near the penalty spot and fired it in from point blank range.
Cucciella had a hand in all three goals, setting up Antonio Bua in the 22nd when he delivered a long ball over the top that caught forward Bua in stride. Bua proceeded to outmuscle the last defender and loop a deft ball off the outstretched fingertips of Sevehla and take the 2-0 lead.
The Bays kept their foot on the gas and at 40 minutes were rewarded for the effort when center mid Lucas Emil slotted a pass from the edge of the box to a breaking Cucciella, who slid in with the ball from the six and put the game effectively out of reach by the half.
The wind was a factor in the second half with Charm City the beneficiary. But although Charm City dominated second half possession, the Bays kept their shape in the back and allowed few real scoring chances.
Finally, in the 80th minute, Charm City got on the board via a 25 yard blast from center mid Dan Lader, who beat Bays keeper Phil Latham with a low rocket inside the near post. It was too little, too late for Charm City as the Bays triumphed 3-1 to advance to the USASA US Open Cup Region I Qualifying Tournament.
Maryland received a first round bye in the regionals and await the winner of the April 1 game between Eastern Pennsylvania’s champion West Chester United Predators and Metro DC/Virginia title holder Aegean Hawks. The Bays will be on the road for the semifinal match, tentatively scheduled for April 29, with the winner advancing to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.
Related: Semifinal Recap [+]
Maryland USASA US Open Cup Qualifying State Tournament Final
Western Regional Park – Woodbine, MD
Sunday March 4, 2012
Maryland Bays 3:1 Charm City
MB: Mike Gill (Powell Cucciella) 12
MB: Antonio Bua (Powell Cucciella) 22
MB: Powell Cucciella (Lucas Emil) 40
CC: Dan Lader 80