Bethesda Internationals

31 Aug. 2003. Inter virtually did not have much quality practice time all week prior to this event due to rain/T-storm shortened practices. And, with the addition of (4) new players -- and (1) sitting out on IR due to minor surgery -- Inter did not show the enthusiasm and hard work it needs to win with synergy and quality team play. Thus, in the 1st game of the tournament, Inter fell to a very determined DCST Blue Thunder team, 2-1. Inter's defense could not stop the two easy goals when it should have contained the DCST players from penetrating the left backfield. Inter's offense couldn't find the back of the net until midway through the 2nd half, when Nicholas crossed a nice ball to Manuel (who was clearly behind the 2nd defender), and as the ball was lofted in the air, stepped in front of the 2nd defender, trapped the ball and then passed to Pablo, who punched it in -- only to have a very belated and wrong offsides call made against Manuel. Inter was able to score just one goal in the last minute of the 2nd half from a nice cross by Nick to Pablo, but too little too late. Congratuations to the Thunder for their fine effort and win! In the 2nd game against an even harder working and stronger determined team, Super Nova 91 (PA), Inter held their opponent to no goals at the half-time, but early in the 2nd half another defensive breakdown allowed a ball to be lofted over the defenders in front of Rob, and a Super Nova player was able to run it down and head it in off of the bounce for the only goal. Inter did not have the luck in this game either, striking the cross bar/side posts more than once or twice and deflecting away/out, and a breakaway shot that missed wide, and another 18-yard strike from the right side that sailed just over the crossbar. Congratuations to Super Nova '91 for a great game and victory! But, alas, in the 3rd game against yet another very hard working and determined team, Montgomery Premier (PA), Inter stepped up its hard work and team play, and was able to dominate their opponent throughout the match. In the first half, Inter was fouled twice within the span of two minutes and (2) free-kicks were awarded at about the 22+ yard/right side, and Nick kicked two strong high balls that sailed above and over the outstretched hands of the keeper into the back of the net; thus, Inter led at the half, 2-0. Late in the 2nd half, a penalty was called in the box against the Premier team, but Nicholas' PK attempt was snatched low on the ground to the right by the diving keeper, however, several minutes later, Nicholas made a nice cross to Sam, who punched it in from the left side about 20+ yards out. And, late in the game with about 5 minutes left, Nat, who was playing up front/left forward, was able to tackle/collect the ball and dribble between several defenders up to 18+ yards out and fired a strike to right side of the net, which the diving keeper couldn't grasp in time. End of match, 4-0, Inter! Congratulations to Montgomery Premier for a well-played match!