“I am going to score.”
Those words are spoken every day by soccer players all around the world. Whether it be by a striker, a midfielder, or even a defender setting up for a corner kick, it is not out of the ordinary for a player to set that expectation. When it’s said by the reserve goalkeeper with five minutes left and his team needs to score to advance, eyebrows are raised.
When he makes good on the promise, that is truly extraordinary. That’s exactly what Adam Peters did last weekend.
The FSA Freedom 93s (U18s Boys) entered their final game of the second round of State Cup play needing a draw to advance. With only 13 eligible players available due to injuries, the 93s had their backs against the wall. 75 minutes in, with the match locked in a scoreless draw, the Freedom looked to be moving on. Then disaster struck.
First came the penalty kick, awarded and converted to put FSA down 1-0. Then, a player went down with a game-ending injury, leaving just one player eligible for a last-minute sub - reserve goalkeeper Adam Peters. Minutes later, Peters was called into action as a second player went down.
With his team standing 10 minutes from elimination, Peters popped off the bench to receive his instructions from Head Coach Eric Sellick. Instructions received, Peters looked at his coach and spoke confidently.
“I am going to score.”
With just five minutes remaining, Peters made good on his promise. A long ball was played into the box, and was chested down by Mike O’Sullivan at the top of the 18. Peters was waiting, ready to strike. Peters struck the ball with aplomb, slamming it home and shocking all in attendance.
The match finished 1-1, advancing FSA to the next round of the State Cup. The FSA squad, soon to be Orlando City Youth Soccer, return to action this weekend in the elimination rounds of State Cup. First up for the lads is Tampa Bay United.
Also this past weekend, future OCYS teams found success in the President’s Cup, the second-tier state competition. The FSA U15 Girls won their age group’s President’s Cup, as did the CFK U11 Girls. Congratulations to all of the teams for their accomplishments this week!
For more information on Orlando City’s youth soccer club, OCYS, visitwww.orlandocityyouth.org or call (407) 321-5264 today.
