The Berlin Wall Crumbles: Roma sends Agachuthu & co packing

By: Drew Peacock

Berlin had been the hottest team in the Lilacs FA Cup to date, eliminating both FC Amsterdam and Deportivo Madrid thanks in part to an impressive effort by Babatunde Agachuthu. They got an away goal and a clean sheet in the 1st leg against Roma SS. The Italian club and current Lilacs FA Cup titleholders came into the fixture after knocking out Zagreb NK looking to get back into this Semi-Final matchup.

It did not take long for Roma to level the tie, as Henry Kamel broke through the Berlin defense in the sixth minute and took his chance smoothly. Now, with a lot of games left to be played, both sides would have to be at their best to go through.

In the 11th minute, Frank Babatunde made a powerful run into the box but was denied by a fantastic one-handed save by Noncey Wallace. Berlin would get another good chance in the 40th minute through Diego Fantastico finding captain Floyd Lawton, whose left-footed effort ended just wide of the post, hitting the side netting. Roma were not finished either as Lucca Rizzo sent in a lovely cross, finding Kamel whose header required a strong save from Henrik Schwinghammer. At half-time, the score was 0-1 Roma lead, 1-1 aggregate. If neither side were able to score in the second half, the game would go to extra time and potentially penalties too.

The first opportunity to break the tie open fell to Roma and Lucca Rizzo in the 80th minute. The Italian striker broke through the defense and was able to settle the ball onto his stronger left foot, but his shot was rushed and did not have the power required to beat the keeper. Just before added time would be announced, Matthias Lowe made a streaking run down the flank, forcing the Berlin defenders to rush back into their box. His cross aimed for Lucca Rizzo instead found the head of Berlin's right back, Michael Kent, who's attempted clearance went beyond his keeper's arms and into the net.

The home crowd fell silent as they knew the game was over. Roma would finish the tie off, 2-1 on aggregate. The 90th minute own goal would send Roma back to the Lilacs FA Cup final, this time to face Vienna.