Wellington Wave u-15 Boys Qualify for Final Four

5/9/07

For the first time in club history a team advances to final four.

The Wellington Wave U15B had an outstanding weekend, qualifying for the Final Four in the state. Entering the round of 16 with the possibility of single elimination the team had to fight off two extremely difficult competitors. The first game against Palm Harbour started out as a hard fought contest. Both teams came out with the enthusiasm associated with the getting to the final four. Wellington drew first blood with a beautiful cross and first touch strike into the corner of the net. Palm Harbour countered with a strong run that allowed them to tie up the score. This sparked the Wellington team and they proceeded to put three consecutive goals into the net in the second half, sealing their victory. The Wellington team relied on their depth tallying goals from four different players.

In the second game, the Wellington team had to face their cross town rivals, West Pines United. Both teams are ranked in the top 4 of the state, so this was slated to be a battle, and no one was disappointed. The game was a close, hard fought, contest and was tied 0-0 going into half time. The games intensity increased in the second half and the Wave capitalized on a beautiful run by their forward getting around the Pines defense, the ball was passed into the box which was then shot, saved, and the rebound was buried into the back of the net. With three minutes left in the game the Pines team found a crack in the defense and tied the score. Two ten minute overtimes ensued with both teams battling for the win. With 3 minutes left in the final overtime Wellington took a corner kick that was heading towards the goal and a Pines defender stopped it with his hand. Wellington was awarded a PK which was scored. The defense held this lead until the final whistle. These two wins were the culmination of the team coming together at the right time and playing like a unit. They look forward to the challenge of the final four.