
Strikers Red fell by the closest of margins in the championship match of the Discovery Cup over Columbus Day weekend. The Arlington boys quickly took a lead in their bracket by scoring 8 and conceding none in victories over ASC Rockets (VA) and Ocean United Storm (NJ) on Saturday. They looked to have followed suit on Sunday morning carrying a 1-0 lead late into the match with North Carroll Chaos (MD) before a near injury time direct kick was conceded to level the terms. In the final match, Strikers faced BRYC Elite Blue (VA) - the other undefeated side in the bracket - and though Red conceded their only goal from play in the tournament in first half injury time and the strike was enough for Strikers’ first defeat of the season, Arlington had done enough to reach the final and a earn a rematch. The two teams played, what would be their 3rd matches of the day, to a 0-0 stalemate and played 10 minutes of overtime to similar effect. After 5 penalty kicks each, the two were still tied. It wasn’t until sudden death strikes from the spot that the title was decided in Blue’s favor. Strikers Red take aim at Elite Blue yet again on 31 October in Arlington for NCSL league play. Congrats Strikers Red on a courageous weekend ---