FC Bulgaria 3-1 Ridgewood (ET)
Despite having players injured and suspended FC Bulgaria managed to earn a place in the State Cup last 8 with a dramatic 3-1 extra time victory against old rivals Ridgewood. The game was extremely competitive and even with both sides having chances to wrap it up in a scoreless regular time.
The first half was tightly contested in the midfield, until the 10th minute when Stefan missed a sitter after very good work from Plamen on the left. 5 minutes later Stefan turned provider but Boho missed a clear chance shooting at the keeper from 5 yards out. The defense was holding firm in the absence of Angel, with Bobby D. being particularly active from the right wing back position. Fori made his debut in goal and pulled 2 great saves from close range. The best chance of the half came when Svetlyo stormed into the box from his left back position, but the goalie was quick to react as well, and injuring our defender in the process. Andro had to come in sooner than expected since he was struggling with a hamstring strain.
In the second half the visitors had the better of the play. Some last gasp defending by Doktora and Mladen prevented us from conceding. The goalie also pulled one remarkable save by pushing the ball onto the post. At the other end Ico came close with a free kick, and Stefan looked dangerous but was crowded all too often for keeping the ball too long. The 0-0 in regular time meant an extra 30 minutes were to be played.
With no substitutions left and fatigue creeping in, the lions conceded a sloppy goal in the 92nd minute, when 2 players were left against Bobby D. with help late to arrive and beat the keeper at the far post. Nevertheless, the Bulgarians showed tremendous spirit and resilience to come back. In the 96th minute a lovely cross by Plamen from the left was volleyed home by Stefan for the equalizer. Only 2 minutes later Stefan was the hero again after single handedly beating 2 defenders and slotting the ball home from just outside the box. Until the end we held firm with the skipper Bobby R. leading the troops. In the last minute the lions put the icing on the cake when a precise cross field pass by Ico found andro who evaded the keeper and scored our 3rd for the day. Next up a tough game against Stal MIelec for the State Cup, hopefull we will have some of our injured players back for that game.
Line up: 1.Fori 3.Doktora 11.Bobby D. 7.Svetlyo (14.Andro) 6.Mladen 5.Joro 13.Bobby R. 12.Ico 8.Plamen 9.Stefan 10.Boho
©2006
FC Bulgaria