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Black Watch overcomes two delays to win cup

By JEREMY RASMUSSEN

© St. Petersburg Times,
published June 5, 2001

TAMPA -- Tampa Bay area teams captured six titles in last weekend's Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) State Cup played at Weston Regional Park. But the weather would not cooperate with one of the final matches.

The under-19 boys championship game between the Tampa Black Watch and the Lakeland Lasers was called due to lightning Sunday with 10 minutes remaining and the score tied 2-2.

In Monday's rematch at Pepin-Rood Stadium, the Black Watch took a 2-0 lead before the game was suspended again due to inclement weather. When play resumed, the Black Watch suffered a pair of red cards but held on for a 4-3 win.

"It was one of the most amazing games I've ever seen. We've now come full circle," Black Watch coach Kelvin Jones said.

The Lasers beat the Black Watch in last year's under-18 final, but this time it's the Black Watch who advance to the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) Southern Regionals in Memphis on June 21-26.

Other area winners include the Countryside Lightning (under-13 girls), the St. Pete Raiders (under-14 girls), the Black Watch Saints (under-14 boys), the Brandon Flames (under-15 boys) and the Tampa Bay Kickers (under-16 boys). Four other local teams made their respective finals but lost.

In Monday's match, Richard Blackburn put the Black Watch up 3-1 on an incredible goal in which he dribbled the length of the field and chipped in over the Lakeland goalie. At the other end of the field, Black Watch goalie Blake Baldwin did everything he could to preserve the lead.

For the Tampa Bay Kickers, the team's State Cup title was its third in four years and the 14th overall for coach Jeff Brattain in 25 years of coaching.

Kickers trainer Adrian Bush, the coaching director for the newly formed Hillsborough County United soccer club, said Brattain always seems to get the most from his players.

"(Brattain) is very good at getting kids to prepare for a match," Bush said. "He keeps his kids on an even par. He won't let them think they're better than they are, but he doesn't beat them down either."

During their seven State Cup playoff matches, the Kickers outscored opponents 29-1.

Gaither's Brenden Crampton scored in the semifinal and also notched the winning goal in the final from his stopper position. Bloomingdale's Todd Cripe and Josh Smith were also standouts.

The Black Watch Saints under-14 boys won their second consecutive State Cup with a 1-0 win over the Galaxy from Fort Lauderdale.

Xavier Pecora notched two goals in the semifinal, and Blake Wagner added a goal in the semifinal and an assist on Scott Strickland's game-winner in the final. Both Pecora and Wagner are under-13 players playing in a higher age division.

"The whole team played terrific," Saints coach Steve Wegerle said. "I think this is the next step in our maturing as a team."

The Saints were the only Florida team to compete recently in the 24-team Nike Cup in Philadelphia and had a shot at making the world finals. After they failed to advance, though, the State Cup became a chance for redemption.

"In Philly, we played exceptionally well, but we made one mistake. It's a learning experience," Wegerle said. "We saw in our game Sunday, when we don't give up any silly goals, we win."

The Brandon Flames missed last year's State Cup in favor of playing in the Nike Cup and advanced to the world finals in Europe.

This year, they were back to their winning ways with a 1-0 win over West Kendall Optimist.

OPEN HOUSE: The Hillsborough County United soccer club is holding an open house tonight at 7 at the Ed Radice Sports Complex in Citrus Park. Tampa Bay Mutiny stars Carlos Valderamma and Joe Addo are scheduled to appear.

To get there from the intersection of Ehrlich Road and Gunn Highway (next to Sickles High), go north on Gunn Highway to South Mobley, turn left at the first traffic light (next to the McDonald's) and head west. The facility is located about 2 miles on the left.

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