Storm's Richey, Stewart come up big; U.S. reaches semis
June 5, 2008 - Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2)
Chicago Storm News Release
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. - It was a huge Thursday for the U.S. Futsal National Team, and some of the Chicago Storm's standouts paved the way to the semifinals of the CONCACAF Championships.
Storm goalkeeper Jeff Richey made a whopping 32 saves and Chicago midfielder Matthew Stewart scored a goal and assisted another as the U.S. defeated Costa Rica, 6-2, to win Group B at Domo Polideportivo in Guatemala City, Guatemala. The U.S. awaited Thursday night's results to determine which Group A opponent the team faces Saturday in the semifinals.
Richey's strong effort, which included fending off Costa Rica's fifth attacker set with 8:41 remaining, came a day after holding Panama to one goal.
"I thought Jeff played an unbelievable game in goal, and we needed that," U.S. head coach Keith Tozer said.
Stewart scored the fifth goal for the U.S. against Costa Rica. He also forced a turnover and then assisted Jamar Beasley's goal that gave the U.S. an early 1-0 lead.
"Matt brings so much heart and desire to the games that he plays in," Tozer said. "Matt came back today and played a superb game."
It was a well-balanced effort on the offensive and defensive ends. The U.S. held Costa Rica scoreless in the second half. And six different players scored a goal in Team USA's victory. Pat Morris, Sandre Naumoski, Dan DeGeer and Denison Cabral had the other tallies for the Americans as they continue their run to defend their CONCACAF crown.
"It was a tremendous moment for U.S. futsal," Tozer said. "Our job is not done. We really want to qualify for the World Championships, which will be our first goal in our first match on Saturday. And with a victory there, then we'll go for the gold on Sunday."
U.S. CONCACAF Championships Schedule:
Tuesday, June 3: U.S. 5, Haiti 3
Wednesday, June 4: U.S. 1, Panama 1
Thursday, June 5: U.S. 6, Costa Rica 2
Saturday, June 7: Semifinals, 3 p.m./5 p.m. (CST)
Sunday, June 8: Championship, 3 p.m./5 p.m.* (CST) * if necessary
The U.S. Futsal National Team features the Chicago Storm goalkeeper Jeff Richey and midfielders Andy Rosenband and Matthew Stewart.
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 5, 2008
- Storm's Richey, Stewart come up big; U.S. reaches semis - Chicago Storm
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