Team USA 3-peats In Watermelon Cup
Team USA won the first-ever Super Watermelon Liga tonight. The superb team — filled with current college players from the Staples classes of 2007 and ’08 — turned back Congo 5-0 in convincing fashion. USA finished the regular season last week in 1st place, while Congo was a close 2nd.
The win marks another notch in the US belt. After taking the 1st 2 Watermelon Cups — played Wednesdays at Long Lots — the squad agreed to be broken up this year. But they stayed together for the Super Liga — the elite league formed this year, playing Mondays at Wakeman. USA suffered their 1st loss ever in the Super Liga last month, but finished strongly with the 3-peat.
Both semifinals tonight were nail-biters. Ivory Coast — the last seed — roared back from several deficits to tie in regulation time, while Congo also had to fight back against Netherlands to draw in regulation time. Both matches were scoreless in the golden-goal overtime; both were decided in penalty kicks.
Congratulations to victorious USA, as they continue their Watermelon dynasty: Dave Sharpe (captain), Greg Bachman, Liam Bohonnon, Brendon Cristobal, Keaton Cristobal, Brad Green, Preston Hirten, Nicky Hoberman, Matt Lamb, Mike Smith and Craig Wolgast.
Darkness prevented a team photo this year — but here's what Team USA looked like after their 1st Watermelon Cup championship 2 years ago. Front row (from left): Brad Green, Craig Wolgast, Keaton Cristobal, Greg Bachman. Standing: Brendon Cristobal, Preston Hirten, Matt Lamb, Nicky Hoberman, Dave Sharpe.
