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Queen City FC drop Cup Opener By Richard W. Kozak, Jr.  |
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One of the things that makes a “Blind Draw” tournament like the world of soccer’s Cup competitions all over the world is the chance that David might slay Goliath. With no true seeding, there is a chance for any team to defeat another on “any given day.”
The sheer dichotomy of that double edged sword is that unlike a traditional playoff where teams are seeded in some sort of ranking relying on strength of squad or schedule is that a team can work itself into game shape by playing up the ladder until its ultimate test.
Last season, Buffalo’s most successful soccer team in history, Queen City FC, took advantage of the latter winning the area’s first U.S. Open Cup game in nearly a century. This year, however, the draw wasn’t as kind to Buffalo’s boys in blue.
In the Second Round of the Region 1 US Open Cup qualifying, the Blues drew the east coast powerhouse of Danbury (Connecticut) United side. A regional finalist last year, United proved to be a formidable and physical test for the developing FC side while capturing a hard fought 2-0 victory, snuffing out FC’s Cup dreams even before the start of the regular season.
As will happen in Cup play, regardless of effort sometimes the result is of the cruelest kind to the side who felt they held advantage in play. City constantly and consistently held possession and control of the game, but ultimately sealed its own demise with a constant inability to finish.
It took little more than a quarter of an hour for the game to become mired with the physical nature and questionable judgment of the visitors. In the 20th minute, two United players were booked by the official for rough challenges. One minute later, City would go up by a man when United received a red card for a studs up challenge.
Cruelly, just another minute later, fate was unkind to City. FC gave up a foul in the box and Danbury were rewarded with a penalty shot. Danbury’s Mauro Costa converted the spot shot, barely, as the Buffalo keeper nearly deflected it to safety.
The United squad then took that 1-0 advantage and protected it with a dull defensive umbrella that only allowed Buffalo slight offensive pressure.
Time an again Buffalo’s foray into the Danbury zone ended in fruitlessness with shots just off the mark. City’s best opportunity to find the twine occurred when Dan Ames nearly converted a Jeremy Watson cross that carried excruciatingly over the bar.
Danbury scored again in stoppage time in the 94th minute. An errant defensive cross made for an easy goal for the visitors and sealed the 2-0 victory.
Even with the loss, Queen City looked a vastly improved side over last year’s talented squad. All-High Stadium was a fit and willing host to the fans representing both sides. The pre-game festivities were something that all Western New York soccer fans should enjoy.
The FC’s next home tune up before the regular season will be on Saturday, May 17 at 10 AM from All High Stadium. You can order tickets at www.queencityfc.com.
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