Sandy, UT (6/19/2017)
Finals day was without a doubt a Cal South affair as they had teams in 9 of the 10 finals and ended up winning 8 of them. The one final they did not have a team, the 15U Boys featured VK Cobras and Barcelona from Nevada, was one of the most exciting of the day. The only team representing the state of Utah in the finals, VK Cobras rode the momentum from their wins over Washington and Cal South in the knockout rounds and the home field advantage to a 1-0 victory. Champions.
It was an amazing game and even a more amazing story as the VK Cobras team overcame all odds to win the only Region IV Presidents Cup Championship in Utah this year. They overcame a first game loss to the same Barcelona team 5-1, and then a rough path that saw them saw an undefeated Washington that hadn't allowed a goal in 3 games and then do it again against Cal South.
The Barcelona team they faced in the final had cruised through every game with a plus 26 goal difference entering the final. But as everyone who has ever watched sports knows, all stats get thrown out entering a winner takes all final.
The game started off really well for VK Cobras as they had several good chances early on. Barcelona grew into the game however and it became much more back and forth as the game wore on. The VK Cobras keeper had to make some outstanding saves to keep the scoreline 0-0. The second half was more of the same with a goal looking less and less likely. The game had a feeling of going to overtime before a couple pivotal moments changed it all.
After getting shaken up the VK Cobras keeper had a massive save pushing a shot off the post to preserve the tie. VK Cobras then went down to the other end and slipped one past the keeper, 1-0. As every commentator ever will remind you, you are always most vulnerable after a goal, this was no exception.
Barcelona came straight at them and played a ball over the top that the Barcelona player took in stride and rounded the VK Cobras keeper and had the entire goal to shoot at and just like that it was 1-1, only it wasn't. He scuffed the shot and put off the post and the rebounded bounced off a defender and out of bounds. Crisis averted VK Cobras locked up shop and held on for the 1-0 victory.
We can see them next at National Presidents Cup in Auburndale FL. Those games will begin July 12th. Keep checking the UYSA page and social media accounts for updates and lets go VK Cobras!
CHAMPIONS
