Challenge

Gran Parque Central
Spectators: 50 (Terracing: 38, Seating: 11, VIP seats: 1) Grabiel Escorcia sent away a hard shot on goal in the 3rd minute, but the ball hit the crossbar and went out. A very good chance for a goal. Marco Day took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Grabiel Escorcia, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. Juaneizu Merida showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Cassius Byrne, who was totally free with the ball in the 7th minute. Grabiel Escorcia sent away a hard shot on goal in the 11th minute, but the ball hit the crossbar and went out. A very good chance for a goal. 11 minutes into the match, USA's goal looked a bit too open when Grabiel Escorcia came free, but Marco Day reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. If Grabiel Escorcia had kept his shot down it would have been a goal in the 13th minute. The ball went over the crossbar instead. With a little luck, USA's Marco Day got control of the ball when Grabiel Escorcia tried to sneak it across the goal line. The supporters of USA booed when Nacional was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 14 match minutes in a wonderful position. Jony Maidana didn't get a good kick on the ball. Juaneizu Merida took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Monty Rogers, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. USA's attacker deliberately struck the ball against an opponent to win a corner for his team. The corner was taken by Cassius Byrne in the 18th minute. Monty Rogers received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 22nd minute. Juaneizu Merida tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. An unexpectedly hard shot by Edward Mcdonald in the 26th minute of play forced Nacional's goalkeeper Juaneizu Merida to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. In the 32nd minute, Damiano Fioravanti reached a very good position and smashed the ball with a huge effort into the net, just to the left of Marco Day. The goal made the score 1-0. Monty Rogers's shot was meant for the net just under the crossbar, but Juaneizu Merida read the situation well and was quickly in position to make a wonderful save in the 39th minute of play. Monty Rogers scored 1-1 in the 41st match minute with a shot that went into the goal to the right of Juaneizu Merida, who was just a little too slow in reacting to the shot. After the first half USA were leading 1-2. They had played with great self confidence throughout the first half and fully deserved their lead.

The hometeam waved at the audience when it was time for Grabiel Escorcia to strike the kick off in the second half. A collision led to USA getting a freekick after 51 minutes play. Monty Rogers hit a great ball. 56 minutes into the game, Monty Rogers recieved a splendid long ball, split the defenders, and gently placed the ball to the left of Juaneizu Merida. Monty Rogers showed that you don't have to tear a hole in the net to score, 1-3. Juaneizu Merida made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Cassius Byrne in the 60th minute of play. Marco Day stood for a superb save when he managed to get hold of Grabiel Escorcia's shot from short distance in the 61st minute. 63 minutes into the match, Nacional's goal looked a bit too open when Cassius Byrne came free, but Juaneizu Merida reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. An unexpectedly hard shot by Grabiel Escorcia in the 65th minute of play forced USA's goalkeeper Marco Day to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. After 65 minutes, Grabiel Escorcia made it 2-3 with a short kick to the right side. USA's Marco Day tried to save the shot but he was too slow in reacting to the shot. Nacional's Walme Yurre was substituted for Mendiko Bueres. Juaneizu Merida took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Monty Rogers, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. With a couple of smart ball manuevers Grabiel Escorcia in the 71st managed to get into a good position. With a left leg Marco Day saved USA from getting behind. Cassius Byrne came free with the goalkeeper in the 73rd minute of the match, and shot straight on target. The shot was a little too simple and Juaneizu Merida could save by the left post. Grabiel Escorcia took the ball and in the 77 minute, shot a rapid shot to the right of a surprised Marco Day. Marco Day dived to the right, and did manage to get a hand on the shot, but it still went into the right corner making it 3-3. USA made a substitution. Sam Campbell replaced Cassius Byrne. USA made a substitution. Khalid Parry replaced Monty Rogers. 82 minutes into the game, Grabiel Escorcia cracked a shot to the right of the goalkeeper, 4-3. Marco Day was not in position, and could only watch the ball fly in. Sam Campbell could have scored with his fast shot on goal in the 93rd minute of the match, but Juaneizu Merida made a huge save. When USA's Sam Campbell in the 94th minute got a chance for a shot 94th didn't hesitate and placed the ball to the right of the goalie. A beautiful save bye Nacional's goalie prevented a goal. Sam Campbell fired away a screaming shot towards the goal in the 97th minute, but the shot went just over the crossbar without Juaneizu Merida having to interfere. The Nacional players were eager to celebrate when the final whistle sounded. They had somehow managed to win, even though the away team had held the majority of the possession.