Bottom L->R: Noah Beall, Paul Shorkey, Craig Wishart*, Ryan Gruss, Nic Crockett, Josh Ridgley
Middle L->R: Coach Wayne Gruss, Tony Renaldo, Connor Arrildt, Griffin Kowalewski, Chad Greber
Back L->R: Coach Paul Kowalewski, Kieran Collien, Daniel Kwon, Chase Greber, Justin Hennen*, Garrett McLendon, Evan Monseu*, Joe Shuey
*Denotes Captains
Not pictured: Coach Matt Arrildt, Coach Johan De Vicq, Managers Terrie Kowalewski and Scott Hennen
On Sunday May 19th, 2013 on the stadium field of the Maryland SoccerPlex, our BU16A Fever defeated the MSC Magic Green 2-0 to win the Maryland State Cup.
The Fever staff is comprised of head coach Paul Kowalewski and his assistant coaches Matt Arridlt and Wayne Gruss, keeper coach Johan De Vicq, Dave Vincent as Fitness Trainer, and Manager Terri Kowalewski and Scott Hennen as Tournament Coordinator.
The staff were very familiar with their outstanding Region 1 Premier League opponent, and devised a strategy and tactics that the players executed perfectly. Part-way through the first half, the Fever changed from their traditional 4-4-2 to a more offensively aggressive 4-3-3, and it paid dividends almost immediately.
Goals were by Josh Ridgley and Ryan Gruss, and assists were by Daniel Kwon and Chase Greber.
The Fever controlled most of the possession, and the midfield, with outstanding play from Griffin Kowalewski, Chase Greber, Kieran Collien, and Connor Arrildt.
Strikers Daniel Kwon, Ryan Gruss, Josh Ridgley, Nic Crockett, Noah Beall, and Tony Renaldo challenged the MSC defense and produced both goals.
After building their 2-0 advantage and seeing how MSC was pressing to get back in the match, the coaches again changed the formation to a 4-5-1 so as to have better numbers in the midfield. As a result, the Fever were able to handle the pressure a very talented Magic Green put on them and secure the title.
Craig Wishart was in command in goal, and was supported by strong back line play from Evan Monseu, Joe Shuey, Justin Hennen, Chad Greber, and holding midfielder Garrett McLendon. Paul Shorkey is the Fever's other Goal keeper.
Shutout by Craig Wishart.
Congratulations to the players and coaches for such a significant accomplishment.