Chicago Storm's Richey saves 17 shots during Wednesday's draw
June 4, 2008 - Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2)
Chicago Storm News Release
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. - Chicago Storm goalkeeper Jeff Richey made 17 saves as the U.S. Futsal National Team played to a 1-1 draw Wednesday in the CONCACAF Futsal Championships in Group B play at Domo Polideportivo in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
The U.S. heads into a critical match at 1 p.m. (CST) on Thursday against Costa Rica. Team USA and Costa Rica are tied atop Group B with four points apiece. The winner is guaranteed a spot in Saturday's semifinals. Costa Rica routed Haiti, 12-0, on Wednesday.
"Right now we have to beat Costa Rica to move on," U.S. head coach Keith Tozer said. "We've played Costa Rica in this same scenario before and we've done it."
The U.S. is 3-0 against Costa Rica all-time, including a 2004 victory in the CONCACAF Championships and a 2007 win in the Pan American Games. Costa Rica won the 2000 CONCACAF with a 2-0 victory against Cuba, which eliminated the U.S. in the semifinals.
On Wednesday, the U.S. and Panama went into halftime without a goal. But early in the second half, Alquis Alvarado gave Panama a 1-0 lead in the 27th minute. The U.S. responded with Sandre Naumoski's goal in the 31st minute for a 1-1 tie.
U.S. CONCACAF Championships Schedule: Tuesday, June 3: U.S. 5, Haiti 3 Wednesday, June 4: U.S. 1, Panama 1 Thursday, June 5: vs. Costa Rica, 1 p.m. (CST) Saturday, June 7: Semifinals, 3 p.m./5 p.m. (CST) Sunday, June 8: Championship, 3 p.m./5 p.m.* (CST) * if necessary
Futsal features four field players and a goalkeeper on each team. Unlike the MISL, Futsal has no walls, the ball is smaller and has less bounce than traditional soccer balls, and the goals are much smaller. The game was invented in Brazil, and it is sanctioned by FIFA as the only form of international indoor soccer.
The Chicago Storm wrapped up their 2007-08 season in the Major Indoor Soccer League. Storm offices are located at 5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy., in Hoffman Estates. For more information on all aspects of Storm soccer, including season tickets, group outings, birthday parties and more, call (866) STORM-81, or visit ChicagoStorm.net.
Major Indoor Soccer League 2 Stories from June 4, 2008
- Chicago Storm's Richey saves 17 shots during Wednesday's draw - Chicago Storm
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