BTSC Goes Undefeated at the Puma Cup College Showcase Both of BTSC’s High School Boys teams went undefeated at the Puma Cup College Showcase this past weekend in Rockford. Both the U18 and U16 Boys teams were competing in the second College Showcase in as many weeks, the latter recording a perfect 3 and 0 record without conceding a goal. The U16’s started the weekend against a tough MRL side Chicago Fire Juniors West. Starting off on the front foot, the Hawks attacked from the off going close on several occasions before Venici Leone was play in by an inch perfect pass by Jimmy Kelleher to score his second goal of the season with a coolly slotted finish past the Fire ‘keeper. In a tight second half, chances were few and far between with TJ Ivkovich going close after AJ Santori’s pass opened up the Fire defense. Safe hands from the Hawks’ ‘keeper Jake Hasentein and the help of the crossbar kept the Fire out as the Hawks recorded their first win of the tournament. With a victory on the board, the Hawks took on the Chicago Magic PSG North and once again started strongly creating several chances in the opening half. As half time approached, Hawks’ ‘keeper Hasenstein claimed a ball in the box and appeared to have the ball kicked out of his hands by the Magic forward, only to see the referee award a penalty kick to the disbelief of everyone watching including both coaches. Unfazed by the call, Hasenstein steadied himself and saved the subsequent penalty kick with a fantastic dive to his left grabbing the ball with both hands at full stretch. The penalty save undoubtedly spurred the Hawks on and Igor Zawada’s run down the right ended with an inch perfect cross for Ryan Stratton to score his first goal of the season and give the Hawks a deserved lead. In the second half, Stratton and Zawada added goals to secure a deserved 3 – 0 win for the Hawks. Needing a draw to win the group, but determined to finish with three wins out of three, the Hawks took on St. Croix Celtic from St. Paul, Minnesota in their final game of the tournament, with both sides recording two wins so far. After a tight first half against a hard working and organized St. Croix side, the Hawks broke the deadlock in the second half when AJ Santori raced down the right wing to cross for Igor Zawada who swept home is second goal of the season. In form Ryan Stratton scored his third goal in as many games to secure victory for the Hawks who recorded their 5th straight win of the season, all with shut outs. Overall, this was a fantastic weekend for the boys who now head to Indianapolis for another College Showcase tournament next weekend. BTSC’s U18 Boys also went undefeated at the Puma Cup College Showcase recording two draws and a win over their three games. Zane Kaiser’s fantastic lob volley late on against Chicago Inter Homer Glen secured four points for the team in a 1 – 1 draw. After a hard fought goalless draw against Lake County Force, the Hawks needed a big win against FC Wisconsin, ranked 4th in Wisconsin. After a close opening exchange, Adrian Zawada’s spectacular volley opened the scoring and shortly after, Zawada double the Hawks’ lead pouncing on a rebound to make it 2 – 0 at half time. Knowing they likely needed more goals, the Hawks went looking for more and found a third just two minutes into the second half. Center midfielder, Cameron Choi’s dipping 40 yard drive was undoubtedly the goal of the weekend and an early contender for goal of the season. Matt Ruff opened his account for the season with a drive into the top corner with Nick Nitti adding two more the second assisted by Matt Dugan to give the Hawks a fantastic 6 – 0 win and first place finish.
Posted on: Mon, 07 Apr 2014 16:26:12 +0000