Tigres and Eintracht Frankfurt share Dallas Cup XXXII title
Published 4/24/2011 11:15:22 PM by staff from www.soccermogul.com
Tigres scored just seconds before the halftime whistle and Eintracht Frankfurt equalized just seconds before storms ended the match. Dallas Cup XXXII will have co-champions as Tigres and Eintracht Frankfurt will share the title. A large complex of thunderstorms hit Pizza Hut Park in Frisco causing the game to be called off for safety reasons. Intense lightning and rain pelted the field as spring Texes thunderstorms were the winners on the night.
It was an even opening half as both sides tried to feel each other out. Eintracht Frankfurt had a bit of territorial advantage, but neither team created an amplitude of scoring chances. Just seconds before halftime Tigres broke the stalemate. They picked up possession 40 yards from the German goal and attacked down the left side. Left back Emilio Orozco overlapped and sent a perfect cross to the backpost where Moises Orozco had gotten inside of Frankfurt's Lukas Zargas. Orozco finished and Tigres took the lead to halftime.
Eintracht Frankfurt came out of the locker room with resolve and should have had the game tied in the 51st minute of play. After a good buildup Markus Schmidt fired a low shot forcing the Tigres goalkeeper to make a sprawling fingertip save. The rebound slipped just right of the goal where Kevin Effiong looked certin to score. The Tigres keeper hopped up and raced over as Effiong flicked just wide of goal.
The match would turn in the 64th minute with a highly questionable penalty call. Effiong took the ball on the right and nutmegged Ramirez skipping into the penalty area. Tigres centerback Kevin Perez raced over to intervene and slid at Effiong who hopped over the tackle. There was very little contact at all and Kevin Effiong continued after the ball, but was unable to reach it before it went out for a goalkick.
The referee whistled for the penalty kick despite almost no contact at all. The Tigres players protested the questionable call in vain. Dustin Ernst stepped up and put home the spotkick tying the game. As the teams set for the restart officials stopped the match due to the lightning.
After a lengthy delay it was decided the match would be ended in a draw and that both teams would share the title.
Tigres also claimed the U17 title as they knocked off Sporting Santa Clara 2-0. Knowsley Youth of England won the U19 title defeating Ajax Gunners 4-2 in an entertaining final.
Label: Dallas Cup Super Group XXXII, Tigres, Eintracht Frankfurt
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