Boston Olympiakos - 2010 USASA National Amateur Cup Champion

2012 US Soccer Open Cup Qualifying

Game Report

Boston Olympiakos vs. Boston Cambridge Somerville Eleven (BCS XI)
Sunday, Novemebr 27, 2011

In a dramatic fashion and for the second time in eight days, Boston Olympiakos goes to extra time and wins against BCS XI in the US Soccer open cup qualifying.

Madison High Field
Despite their many injured players who were unable to offer their services, Boston Olympiakos still found the way to beat BCS XI in OT in Madison Park field, thanks to an unbelievable 2nd half and OT performance, which granted the "W" to the home team who are now a step closer to qualifying to the Regional competition of the US Soccer open cup.
After pure performance but still victorious against Mass United in Manning field Lynn, MA a week ago, Boston Olympiakos finally got back into its rhythm and demonstrated a high level of soccer against an opponent who was defending almost an entire game including its extra time.

Game summary
During the first 20 minutes both teams were trying to figure each other out while missing equal chances during the process to open the score. From the 20th minute and on, it was all Boston Olympiakos, who turned on its game to a higher level and started managing the ball. This resulted to an 80% ball possession for the entire game. In fact the entire 2nd half was played inside the opponent's 35 yard area. For some reason BCS XI chose to just clear the ball hoping this will frustrate the very composed red and white Boston team.

Boston Olympiakos was constantly looking for opportunities by switching sides, looking for openings and at times sending 4 forwards to the attack trying to break the so compact BCS XI defense, who stopped more than 45 shots while its goal keeper contributed 28 saves to the total count of 73. This "catastrophic tactic" (soccer term) worked an entire game. And the experienced to the competition's tactical awareness, Boston Olympiakos was forced to OT. Constant defense, eventually wears teams down when the opposition applies relentless pressure. Boston Olympiakos did just that.

Patience or persistence pay off?
In Boston Olympiakos case it was both. By keeping the pressure high and by showing lots of patience in the attack, which resulted to grinding even more the already fatigue legs of BCS XI, made it apparent that it was a matter of time for the goal to come. Another factor contributing to the pressure and patience, was the sky rocketing, 85% passing completion of the 2011 MSSL double undefeated champion.

A stubborn and discipline BCS XI defense finally breaks down
It took a lot of effort to literally exhaust an immovable BCS XI. We all know, it is the nature of the body, when under a long period of constant pressure, it will eventually break down. Mental toughness continues to resist, ultimately it breaks down last. Boston Olympiakos aware of this, maxed out the pressure bar level. At the 8th minute in overtime the ball finally got through the opponent, when Quievon Correia made a long cross to the inside of the 6 yard line, found Boston Olympiakos forward Samuel Appiah, who without hesitation scored the winning goal and gave the ticket to Boston Olympiakos to the next round.

With a week left to prepare, Boston Olympiakos turns its focus to the next round of the USASA Amateur Cup against Mass Premier Soccer.