95 Gold Are Finalists At FCCA Fall Challenge Tournament
The 95 Jammers Gold had an exciting tournament in Concord on Novemeber 8th and 9th. First round play began against a strong FCCA team that came out of the gate very strong. The Jammers got a slow start and found themselves down 1-0 at the half. The second half started with the Jammers taking early control, but two defensive lapses allowing balls over the top resulted in 1v1 versus our keeper. After 10 minutes of play in the second we were down 3-0. With less than 5 minutes to play Baxter Bruggeworth netted a fine set piece on a direct from 25 yards out. This goal ignited the team, one minute later Chris Kerr found the back of the net with a brilliant header off a corner with our keeper pulled for more offense. The final minutes saw a furious attempt to tie coming up just short on a 3-2 loss.
The afternoon match saw a very determined Jammers team against a fine South Charlotte team. The game was controlled from the outset with a great controlled offense and a very strong defense. Michael Bryant (Duece) started the scoring on beautiful shot hitting the upper 90 for the first goal of the game giving the team a 1-0 lead going into the half. 10 minutes in to the second Michael Wrenn made a great high speed run through the middle of the Charlotte defense to score on a 1v1 with the keeper. Soon after, Khristian Krejenka was fouled just outside the box and connected on a direct kick to end the scoring giving the Jammers a 3-0 win.
The Jammers found themselves in a semi-final match up on Sunday with the High Country Avalanche, a Boone NC team. Both teams played very well, 15 minutes in HCA scored first on a deflected pass that found the back of the net. The Jammers responded with another great shot from 20 yards out by Michael Bryant. Half time ended in a 1-1 draw. The second half saw fantastic play from both teams with diving saves coming from the Jammer keeper Luke Mortensen and the opposing keeper throughout the second half action. The game ended in a 1-1 draw and after OT remained the same. The HCA team outscored the Jammers 5-3 in PK's, however, soon after the game a forfeit was awarded to the Jammers due to the HCA team not having a carded coach on the sidelines.
In the finals, the Jammers faced the Guilford United Red. The team started off very flat giving up 3 goals in the first 6 minutes of the game. From that point on the Jammers played with more intensity, controlling possession for most of the rest of the game... However, the Gold were not able to put the ball in the net and the game ended in a 3-0 loss.
Outstanding play by several players was the key in taking home the runner up award. Brian Jobe once again played very strong in the center back position, Baxter Bruggeworth turned in a great weekend directing in center midfield and good performances were turned in by Michael Bryant and Khristian Krejenka as well.