ECNL Boys Regional League Selection Game in Florida comes down to PKs

SANFORD, FL – In Friday night’s Continental Tire ECNL Boys Regional League Selection Game in Sanford, the West team claimed victory over the East, after a thrilling 2-2 battle that had to be decided on penalty kicks.

The East jumped in front in the 34th minute on a goal from Alexis Cruz (Chicago Inter SC), but the West quickly answered back before halftime on a goal off a corner kick by Bryson Marshall (Oklahoma Celtic FC).

In the 55th minute the East grabbed the lead back when Raul Maldonado (Florida Premier FC) struck a missile that curled into the top corner to make it 2-1.

The West fought their way back again though as Ben Perkins (Union KC Soccer Club) tied it up in the 63rd minute.

Both sides created a number of chances in the closing minutes, with the West hitting the post on a potential game winner, followed by the East nearly finding the back of the net on a long range strike just before the final whistle.

In the penalty kick shootout, both goalkeepers put on a show. Felix Huebner (Highland FC) made two saves for the East, but Finn Kramer-Mann (Chicago Magic) made three stops for the West including an extraordinary diving kick save to give the West the win in the shootout.

Kramer-Mann was named the Player of the Match for his incredible performance and said after the game he saw everyone getting interviewed throughout the match and wanted to be interviewed as well.

“I saw the person that scored on me earlier get an interview, so I told the last taker I want an interview also. I’m saving this shot.