February 9, 2010
GOTTSCHEE UPDATE
A winning weekend indoors and outdoors

By Sham Samaroo
Special to BigAppleSoccer.com

B.W. Gottschee enjoyed a winning weekend last week.

Among the key highlights:

* The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League's Under-16 U.S. Soccer Developmental Academy team blanked the Red Bulls, 3-0, at Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn, N.Y.

* The U-14 team played to a draw while the U-19 side dropped a 2-0 decision.

* And two teams won their respective age group titles at the Brooklyn Italians Indoor Tournament -- the Boys U-8 team and the Girls U-11 squad.

Here is a quick synopsis of Gottschee's weekend:

U-16 Academy

Returning to action after the winter break, the talented Red Bulls ran into a red hot Gottschee Academy and were shutout, 3-0. The drama started in the 20th minute when Peter Scimemi headed home a corner kick to put Gottschee up 1-0. The rest of the half saw both teams locked in battle for dominance with Gottschee preserving its lead going into the break.

Midway through the seconnd half, Gottschee’s Aaron Dennis waltzed past his man to score on a well-executed shot from close range to make it 2-0. Gottschee continued to dominate the Red Bulls and with 10 minutes to regulation time Dan Norris sent a lovely through ball to spring teammate Chris Johnson who made no mistake, promptly depositing it to the back of the net to earn the 3-0 shutout.

U-14 Academy

In a tightly fought contest, Gottschee took the lead minutes before halftime. Billy Athanopoulos on the dribble eluded his defender and with the presence of mind of a seasoned pro lifted the ball over the goalkeeper’s head for a 1-0 lead. Both teams traded chances in the second half as the intensity continued. With 10 minutes left, the Red Bulls scored the equalizer on a quick breakaway.

U-18 Academy

It was tense drama with both Gottschee and the Red Bulls playing high quality soccer. After playing to a scoreless tie in the first half, it was Gottschee that had the advantage in the second half with a few good opportunities to score. However, the Red Bulls that scored midway through the half off of a deflected shot. With the goal, the momentum swing saw the Red Bulls control the pace of the game though Gottschee still had its chances. With two minutes remaining, and Gottschee looking for the equalizer, the Red Bulls got the insurance goal for the 2-0 win.

Brooklyn Italian Indoor Tournament

U-7 results

The U-7 team, playing in the U-8 division came away with a credible 2-2 record. The sude defeated the Staten Island United Spirit, 2-0, and the host, Brooklyn Italians, 6-0, before losing 4-1 to the Chelsea Blues and 5-0 to the U8 DUSC team.

U-8 results

Gottschee won the tournament defeating Barboncito, 4-0; Islas Malvinas, 2-1, Brooklyn Italians, 6-0 and Gjoa 5-0. In the finals Gottschee defeated the other hot team, Chelsea Blue, 3-0 on two goals from Matt Loya-Vetell and one from Matt Osiecki.

U-9 results

Gottschee U-9A made light work of the competition in qualifying play by handily defeating DUSC Botofogo 5-2; SDA 5-0 and Manhattan Sports Club 5-0. But in Gottschee they fell, 3-1, to Downtown United Soccer Club's Palmeiras.

In the B division, the U-9B team ended with one win and two losses. The win came against host, Brooklyn Italians, 1-0; and the losses were against DUSC Palmeiras 2-0, and Brentwood, 3-0.

U-10 results

Playing up in the U-11 A division, Gottschee took home the silver in a satisfying performance for the youngsters. In qualifying play Gottscjee defeated Montclair, 4-2; tied Gjoa, 1-1, and lost to Silver Lake 2-1. In the semifinals, Gottschee’s Carlo Ritaccio slammed home two goals to defeat Garden City Park, 2-0. But in the finals, the team was overwhelmed by a strong and technically sound Den of Lions from Newark, 4-0.

U-15 results

The U-15A reached the semifinals before losing to America Juniors, 5-2.

Girls U-11 results

Gottschee Girls continued their incredible winning season with a first-place finish at the Brooklyn Italians Indoor tournament.

The U-11 side made an easy day of it by defeating GJOA, 5-1, HBC Galaxy, 4-0, Silver Lake, 5-1 and SDA, 4-0. Maia Cabrera had an excellent day, scoring eight goals but the day was highlighted by team structure and possession, which led to the lopsided scores.