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PAPSC – 4 Sayreville United – 2

SPW United – 0 PAPSC – 1

4.19.10
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Papsc has done it again. Over the last two weeks, Papsc had to face two
direct opponents and only a victory would ensure our success to claim the Division AC
championship. The first game was played against Sayreville United and the result was 4-
2. This game had a special meaning to us being that we lost to them first half of season in
a game that had lots of controversial plays. This was sweet revenge. The players knew
the importance of the game, and right from the start surprisingly showed some
nervousness and impatience. It took 21 minutes for Mark to score on a pass from Fabio.
We got the goal we needed to build our confidence and press on. Eight minutes later the
nightmare begun for Papsc. There’s was a foul outside the eighteen and it seemed a long
distance to be of any problems for Mario. Well, the shot was taken, the ball traveled in a
weird way with some force, Mario didn’t catch it completely, and the ball found its way
on the back of the net. Five minutes later, David Lopes committed an unnecessary
penalty. Mario reacted well to a shot well taken but could not avoid the goal. Papsc was
down 2-1. During half time, Mark took the initiative to motivate the players. We gave
them two goals, and it was time to take them back. This was our game to win. It took us
15 minutes, for Urso to find the much needed equalizer. We’re back in business. Papsc
was desperately looking for the winning goal but found it extremely difficult to obtain
against a team that didn’t let down but started to exhibit frustration and use of force. That
frustration became evident when a Sayreville player received a direct red card for
challenging Fabio. And let me tell you about Fabio…He was on FIRE. His talent and
speed was causing big headaches for Sayreville. With the game approaching its final 15
minutes a tie was not the result we wanted. Something needed to change. I gambled on
taking Joca from defense and put Fabio to support the mid and offense. The mid was also
refreshed and it was now due or die time. The changes paid off. At the 85th minute, Mark
takes two guys inside the eighteen, goes around the goalie, sits him down and walks the
ball in. Unbelievable determination, talent, and great finishing on a well constructed play.
The goal didn’t sit well with Sayreville. Knowing that this loss would put them away
from championship contention, one of their players lost his head and went after Fabio
swinging. After the confusion and another red card, Papsc would score another one in
extra time by Mark / Jimmy. What a game….I’m so proud of this team, players, and
staff.

Line up: Mario, Sam, David L., Bino, Joca, Joel, David P., Fabio, Jason A, Rui, Mark
Lino Jr, Mykel, Jimmy, Abel, Chris, Alex, Jason T.

Scorers: Mark – 2 Jimmy – 1 Rui – 1

The second mini final was played last Sunday against SPW United. Papsc had beaten
them last year for the County Cup championship, but had never beaten them at their
home field. With the championship ridding on this game, I felt the need to be cautious
and not show everything upfront. Spw had only 7 goals suffered in the tournament and 4
of them were scored by us in the first half of the season. With very mature, talented and
experienced players this game was a challenge and test to determine the champions.
Papsc line up for this game suffered some changes due to absence of some players. Abel
took the starting line up on the left and Lino jr started over David in defense with Bino.
The game got on the way and Papsc was starting to connect well creating some good
plays. Fifteen minutes into the game Mark is taking down in the eighteen but the referee
ignored the clear penalty. Mark took a while to get up which caused some concern. Mark
shook it off and resumed playing but it was visible that he might be hurt. Five minutes
later the best scorer of the league was taking down again and this time he could not
continue to play. A real tough break for us, against a team that rarely gets scored on.
Jimmy took on the challenge and was moved up front to replace the injured Mark. Some
opportunities were created but Rui having clear difficulties connecting and finishing.
Second half still with a 0-0 score, Papsc continued to look for the winning goal. Spw was
also looking for the goal and their midfield was creating some problems for us. David L.
came in to replace Lino Jr and Roger subbed Sam. Jimmy stepped down to mid field and
Chris played upfront with Rui. Fabio continued to press in thru the left, using his speed
creating some good plays. Joel “a Velha” worked his ass off covering the mid and help
pushing the team forward. David P. also ran miles and it started to look promising. Spw
continued to prove why they are a great team with only a few goals scored against. It was
now about the 80th minute and I decided to put Mykel back in after a deserved rest. I had
a feeling he might be the solution since he had done very well in the league cup finals
against SPW. Lucky or not Mykel in the 89th minute after a shoot from Rui takes a
deflection on the defender, places the ball in the back of the net to give us the win. You
could imagine my excitement not only for the win but because Mykel, and the team
deserved this special reward. It smells like championship….My thanks to all for your
effort, for respecting my decisions, and for stepping up when needed. Abel great job.
With two games left on the regular season, one point is all we need to take the trophy
home. Well done boys.

Line up: Mario, Sam, Lino Jr, Bino, Abel, Mykel, Joel, David P., Fabio, Rui and Mark
David L., Roger, Jimmy, Chris, Kael

Scorer: Mykel Pereira - 1