France Caps Undefeated Season With Watermelon Cup Win
For the first time in Watermelon Cup history, both semifinals and the final went to golden goal.
Patricio Perez Elorza’s goal — which banged off both posts, before crossing the goal line — helped France avenge their only draw of the season. It came several weeks ago, when Josh DeDomenico scored in the final 4 seconds against Germany.
In the finals rematch this time, Efe Elden gave France a 1-0 lead. Noah Schwaeber — a keeper, playing in the field, equalized for Germany, and Daniel Perez Elorza gave the Germans a 2-1 lead. But Elden made it 2-2, then got the go-ahead tally with his hat trick. Almost immediately, Daniel Perez Elorza’s long shot once again leveled the score.
With 2 players off the field for each team — in overtime, every 2 minutes players are removed — and darkness looming, Patricio Perez Elorza put an end to the end-to-end contest.
Germany had a right to be tired. They were down to 2-v-2 in the semifinals when keeper Ziggy Hallgarten rifled a shot to lift his side 3-2 over England.
France took less time, but still needed golden goal to dispatch Sweden. Pato Perez Elorza got the game-winner in that match too.
Congratulations to all for a very enjoyable Watermelon Cup season. And special kudos to France (see team members below).
QUICK KICKS: This was the 3rd consecutive Watermelon Cup championship for Jack Zeldes.
Victorious France: Front (from left): Griff O’Neill, Josh DeDomenico, Patricio Perez Elorza. Rear: Jack Zeldes, Spencer Henske, Daniel Reid, Matt Engler, Efe Elden, Austin Sholes, Wilson Daniels.
