2010 Qualifying: Phoenix knocks off their Ukrainian rivals, advance to Eastern PA semis
With unseasonable 70 degree weather in Feasterville, Pa., Phoenix SC and the Ukrainian Nationals met in the latest edition of a long-standing rivalry. In one of four Eastern Pennsylvania Open Cup games played that day, Phoenix got the best of their Ukrainian rivals, beating them 3-0 to advance to the Third Round of the tournament.
While the Ukies have tasted success in the Open Cup in recent seasons, Phoenix came out hoping to win the club’s first state Open Cup title having won two United League and two state Amateur Cup titles in the past three seasons.
Phoenix SC (Eastern PA) Phoenix started the game well, maintaining possession and putting the Ukies under pressure. That pressure finally paid off after 20 minutes when Daniel Murtagh put a 25-yard bending ball past the Ukies goalie after a pass from Greg Mangels. Five minutes later, Phoenix had the chance to go up 2-0 from the penalty spot, but goalkeeper Jason Sherman made a diving save to his left on Bobby Francis. Phoenix did not allow the momentum to change after the saved penalty and quickly scored their second goal when Steve Mellor lashed a shot to the far corner from the right side of the 18 after a driving run and feed by Ryan Soroka.
Wanting to avoid a let down after the halftime break, Phoenix came out and scored the third and final goal when halftime substitute Kamara Freebolle struck a 25-yard thunderbolt off a pass from Ben Castor. For the rest of the half, Phoenix dominated possession while the Ukies were not able capitalize on their opportunities.
Phoenix progresses to the Semifinals where they will host Danubia, who thrashed Hunter Inazu 7-0 in their Second Round match.
Phoenix lineup
Tony Pratico
Greg Mangels
Pat Dillon (Mark Scaccia-70)
Jack Poccoroba
Matt Lapish
Ben Castor
Steve Mellor
Bobby Francis
Daniel Murtagh (Brian McKinney-65)
Ryan Soroka
Virgis Anusauskas (Kamara Freebolle 45)Unused Sub
Matt RomingerThe scores of the Eastern PA tournament are listed below. If you have any details to pass along, contact us.
Second Round
(Home teams listed on the right)Ukrainian National Tryzub 0:3 Phoenix Majors
Scoring Summary: Daniel Murtagh, Steve Mellor, Kamara Freebolle
Danubia 7:0 Hunter Inazu
United German Hungarians Majors 2:1 Intare FC
Fishtown 1:4 Vereinigung Erzgebirge MajorsThe Semifinals of the Eastern PA tournament is scheduled for November 22.
—————————————————First Round Results
(Home teams listed on the right)Ukrainian National Tryzub 2:1 (aet) United German Hungarians Ultra
Danubia 2:1 Plymouth Ultra
Wallace FC 1:5 Hunter Inazu
Keystone Pride 1:2 Intare FC
Quakertown 1:4 Fishtown