| In the end it was a mirror of their classic NPSL battles for the
league lead, but this game and tournament was much more than that to
the Salinas Valley Samba. After 93 minutes of regulation, and 30
minutes of "golden goal" overtime, the Sonoma Sol claimed victory
with a 5-4 penalty kick advantage. That's what anyone not in
attendance on a scorching day in Sacramento would read in a newspaper
box score. To witness this remarkable battle of wills between the two
clear and away best teams in the tournament, was something
altogether different. The Samba entered the Championship game undefeated in their group, despite losing the leadership and play of Goalkeeper Christian Matterazzi after their first game victory over Barza. Due to scheduling conflicts, and roster limitations, the Samba were suddenly without a bonafide Goalie. Enter defender and ever popular Mike Bielski. Bielski donned the Goalie mitts and proceeded to post back to back shutouts of the Arizona Sahuaros (3-0) and Club Marin (2-0). Bielski was at times spectacular, with sliding disruptions of breakaway attempts and diving deflections, as the ever tough Samba defenders rallied around their new backstop in the two improbable blankings. Brilliant game planning and bench strategy from Coaches Artie and Jack Cairel helped pave the way to the Championship game.
The game started out even, with both teams attacking with long through balls in the kept but slow turf of Cherry Island. The Samba held an early advantage in shots, but both defenses proved their mettle with tough and physical marking once the attack reached the top of the scoring box. The Sol drew first blood on a perfectly placed penalty kick goal, awarded to them after a questionable call inside the Samba box. The Samba responded to the adversity as they have all season, by redoubling their efforts in the attack. Erik Kronberg, the Sol's talented 6'5 keeper, kept Salinas out of the net for the games first 93 minutes. The hearts of warriors took over from there. Fiercely determined to attack until the final whistle, Salinas tied the score in dramatic fashion, on a beautiful cross from Nate Northup that found the head of potent scorer Jeffrey Stepan with a mere 15 seconds of injury time remaining. A thrilled crowd erupted, realizing they bore witness to a fantastic game of soccer. Two 15 minute "golden goal" overtime periods settled nothing, except the affirmation of the very real rivalry between two great teams. The Sol eventually won 5-4 on penalty kicks, and proved worthy of the Championship honor. For the 2005 Samba, this was an incredible and improbable tournament run. A run in which they went from being a team of talented individuals, into simply a team. |
The immense heart and unity of this 2005 Samba team was evident
throughout the tourny, but never more so than in the Championship game
against the Sol. Getting to this point with a short bench and a
defender in the net was difficult enough, but battling a team with
whom the Samba have split two tough matches in the brutal NPSL
West, is another thing altogether.