2006 KINGSTON PRESIDENTS CUP CHAMPIONS!!
PRESIDENTS CUP FINAL
Vita Internazionale 2
Soccer Post Arsenal 1
Without the likes of key players Gencarelli, Bernardino, and Agostino the team knew it was in tough against a powerful Soccer Post opponent. Arsenal, who has only 1 league loss this year in Kingston 1st division left Vita to play the role of the clear underdog, a role which the team has enjoyed thoroughly in its storied history. The team came out of the gates hard with Sal Cutrona making good on a lengthy run inside of 10 minutes putting the team up by 1. If the A division giants were caught napping this woke them up as they pushed forward putting pressure on a rock-solid Vita defence that was coordinated by towering keeper Pietro Cutrona. Having already taken the lead early there was no need for the team to push forward in large numbers until the opposition gave them a reason to, so playing intelligent defensively became a priority. Just before the end of the first half, Vita was awarded a freekick in a dangerous area to the left of the S.P. goal. An S. Cutrona deadball effort just missed the top shelf, which was the only other real scoring chance in the first. The second half saw a high quantity of S.P. possession, but to no avail until late in the game when a looping chip led to scramble in front of the Vita goal which ended up in the back of the net. With a few minutes left in the game Vita was awarded a free kick to the right of the S.P. goal. Enter Vito Cutrona, for the long-range dead ball specialist it was just another day at the office. He struck the ball in spectacular fashion bending and dipping it into the bottom right corner, effectively securing the team’s second major championship in as many weeks. Tim Dowling, Dan Frid, Jamie Nix, and Justin Schomberg all had typically dominant performances at the back. The midfield was particularly strong with Paulo Soares, Bryce Ellis, Steve Fowler, and Mike Pacheco all in top form. For their efforts the favourites are to be commended, as a resounding majority of the Soccer Post team proved that they are true champions; graceful and classy both in winning and defeat.
PRESIDENTS CUP SEMI-FINAL
Vita Internazionale 2
Sleep Factory United 1
Perhaps due to the success experienced over long tiring weekend in Peterborough the team came out quite sluggish, but very confident nonetheless. The team controlled play, which led to several early chances that did not amount to anything of significance. Trying to mix things up Coach Vito Cutrona made several subs late into the first and one of those changes paid immiediate dividends. Dan Bernardino, returning from a month-long layoff, beat several defenders and was sure to score when he was taken out from behind in the box leading to a clear penalty. Chris Gencarelli made no mistake and converted from the area putting Vita up headng into halftime. The second half saw SF United score off of a penalty of their own and manage to keep the Vita attacks out of their goal despite several good chances on net. Until, Bernardino who once again came off of the bench then beat several defenders en route to a calm crisp finish, which pretty much closed the door on the newly promoted SF United side. The team will be playing in their third final of the year (ABEL CUP, MARK FORSTER MEMORIAL) on Friday at Woodbine against an opponent that has yet to be determined.
PRESIDENTS CUP QUARTER-FINAL
Vita Internazionale 2
Rangers 0
After taking out El Salvador another A division team the squad was confident heading into the game with A division powerhouse Rangers. Missing some key players due to suspension both Sal Cutrona and Paulo Soares the team had to change around its lineup quite a bit. Mike Pacheco scored early in the first with a spectacular freekick strike putting the team up 1-0. Pietro Cutrona held off an early Rangers onslaught before the defence acquired its composure and shut down the powerful Rangers attack. In the second half, Vito Cutrona struck one from about 30 yards out pinning it in the top shelf leaving the keeper with no chance. The team will meet B division leaders Sleep Factory in the Semi-Finals on the 18th of August.
