Challenge

Marcelo A. Bielsa
Spectators: 43 (Terracing: 33, Seating: 10, VIP seats: 0) The field was rather wet after several days of rain when Alexander Palmer took the kick off in the first half of the match. In the 2nd minute, Cristian Sancho ran past the defenders and hit a shot which went straight ahead into goal. Bernabe Armani was frozen by the shot and now it was 0-1. Ecuador's Daniel Zorita was first on the ball when the corner was shot and he dangerously headed the ball towards goal, but Bernabe Armani in the goal jumped up to prevent it from getting in. Alexander Palmer took the ball and in the 16 minute, shot a rapid shot to the right of a surprised Julio Vera. Julio Vera dived to the right, and did manage to get a hand on the shot, but it still went into the right corner making it 1-1. Bernabe Armani made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Cristian Sancho in the 18th minute of play. Julio Vera stood for a superb save when he managed to get hold of Alexander Palmer's shot from short distance in the 24th minute. In the 29th minute, Alexander Palmer left the goalkeeper for dead before tapping the ball into the right side of the net. The Growlithe FC fans were clearly happy with the effort and the scoreboard reflected the new score: 2-1. In the 35th minute Alfredo Graciani shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Julio Vera saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. After having played for 36 minutes, Cristian Sancho managed to get in a good position for a shot on goal. Ecuador's supporters crossed their fingers, but Cristian Sancho was, after a quick turn that froze the defenders, out of balance and shot the ball just to the right of the goal. 38 minutes in the game, Alexander Palmer fired away an excellent shot, which passed to the side of the right post without Julio Vera having to interfere. The supporters of Growlithe FC booed when Ecuador was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 41 match minutes in a wonderful position. Felix Montes didn't get a good kick on the ball. Ecuador's Julio Vera proved his good apprehension of play when he, in the 42nd minute of the match, managed to save Ecuador from getting a goal against them. All the noise was coming from the home fans when the whistle went for half-time. The home team had fought hardest to put themselves in a deserved lead.

In the 56th minute, Benigno Dantae hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. Bernabe Armani made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Cristian Sancho in the 58th minute of play. 58 minutes into the match, Growlithe FC's goal looked a bit too open when Cristian Sancho came free, but Bernabe Armani reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. Thanks to some nice foot action and superb ball handling Alfredo Graciani in the 60th minute a chance for a shot on goal. With an extended leg and a bit of luck Julio Vera prevented the ball from getting in the gole. After some fancy dribbling in the 62nd minute, Agustín Saelices managed to get in a good position for a shot. Ecuador's supporters rose to their feet, but Agustín Saelices was a bit off balance and shot the ball just wide of the left post. Bernabe Armani breathed a sigh of relief and went to take the goal kick. If Alfredo Graciani had kept his shot down it would have been a goal in the 66th minute. The ball went over the crossbar and out instead. Growlithe FC's Bernabe Armani proved his good apprehension of play when he, in the 68th minute of the match, managed to save Growlithe FC from getting a goal against them. Bernabe Armani made an important save on a dangerous shot by Daniel Zorita in the 69th minute. A hard shot 71 in the game by Daniel Zorita from a close distance when the talented Bernabe Armani managed to make a qualified save. Growlithe FC's players were relieved. When Growlithe FC's Alexander Palmer in the 75th minute got a chance for a shot 75th didn't hesitate and placed the ball to the right of the goalie. A beautiful save bye Ecuador's goalie prevented a goal. Bernabe Armani made an important save on a dangerous shot by Daniel Zorita in the 81st minute. In the 82nd minute, Alexander Palmer made a precise shot to the right of Julio Vera. Ecuador's defense was at fault, and the scoreboard reflected the new score, 3-1. Julio Vera showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Alexander Palmer, who was totally free with the ball in the 86th minute. After 87 minutes Ecuador's defender was forced to head the ball over the line for a corner. It was Ahmet Baki Ulualp who took care of the corner kick. Ecuador's Julio Vera played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Alexander Palmer in the 93rd minute of play. Ahmet Baki Ulualp hit a great freekick 95 minutes into the match. Growlithe FC's fans were exulted and cheered after their team won in a match that could easily have gone the other way.