SEARCH
Reunited they stand
Posted in: News & Updates, United FC by Michael Pett on August 6, 2010
Hamilton, ON—The last week has been a busy one for United FC on both sides of the ocean. Both in England and in Canada, it has been difficult for coaches and team members to stay united with all the obstacles they have faced. But after an outpouring of support from Canadians across the country, United FC is finally together as a team in England.
The tournament began last Saturday and United FC was scheduled to play their first game the following day.
With great courage, the team braved their first match without a full squad. After borrowing two players from a local team in order to play, the game began. But within the first 15 minutes, Goalkeeper Manual Gonzalez was injured. With no substitutes, two borrowed players, many injuries, and a teammate in net who had never played goalie, United FC lost their first game 9-0.
Although the loss was tough, Forward Joel Alberto from El Salvador stood out in the game with a number of shots on net that came close to goals. He kept the team together even with so many of their starting line-up either injured or still at home in Canada.
With a hard loss and the disappointment of having to play without their teammates still left in Canada, the pain of losing was great. But Izuba Musafiri, a defender for United FC, thinks that it was this pain that allowed them to do so well in their second match. “In the first game we let our nerves dominate us, but our second game went much better,” said Musafiri.
Their second match was against Thames Bank Dynamos, the first place team in their division. With six injuries, two yellow cards and no borrowed players, they were in a tough position from the start. But the team pulled together and ended up only losing 2-0 despite playing the entire game shorthanded. Although it was still another loss, the team was much more comfortable with how they performed on the field.
Meanwhile back home in Canada, Coach Johnson was busy doing everything possible to secure visas for the remaining eight players and get them on a plane to England. With the help of supporters, the necessary papers were put in order over the long weekend and visas were ready for pick-up in Ottawa on Wednesday morning. After a long drive to and from Ottawa, Johnson met the team with visas in hand before departing together for Pearson International Airport.
“We want to make Canadians proud. The support we received was amazing and although we aren’t in the best position in the tournament right now, we’re ready to do what we can to change that. I just can’t wait to get out on the field!” said Forward Korha Kpehe as he waited to check-in.
“They have done their best. Even though we’re an ocean behind, we’re still United FC and we’re ready to show everyone at the tournament,” Defender Yosef Belay chimed in.
After a seven-hour flight, Coach Johnson and the remaining eight players safely arrived in England on Thursday morning.
The original ten players that arrived on time for the tournament can’t even think about going home yet, and now they couldn’t be more excited after finally being reunited with the rest of their teammates.
The team had a full practice Thursday afternoon and are looking forward to finally playing together after a spending a week apart.
United FC plays their third game of the tournament today against Maidenhead at 12:45 pm EDT.
Comments
So glad the rest of the team made it!
Comment by alison on August 6, 2010 at 7:31 pm
None of this could be possible with the support of our fellow Canadians! It shows just how generous we really are in seeing youth succeed! Good luck boys, we’re cheering for ya!
Comment by Samantha on August 8, 2010 at 8:46 am