Penalties lead to heart-break in Zagreb!

By: Ray Porter

Having won the previous game by one goal to nil, Zagreb went into this game as huge favorites. But Kerberos is no side to scoff at, as they have been a side to be reckoned with this year.

Although both teams had significant chances in this game, my focus will lay on the subsequent penalty shootout (No spoilers) so this section will remain as short as the temper of this reporter. In the 34th minute, an Optic cross would find Jethro in the middle, but his shot was tame and deflected as the Greek had the biggest chance for an equalizer. In the 71st minute, a Garcia cross would find its way into the box, where a diving header would see it land past a surprised Zagreb keeper. With many wondering which Athens striker would be so competent in the box, the goalscorer was noted down as Zagreb defender Matthew Lennon. Having been unhappy about featuring in the back line, the Center Back seems to have wanted to show his attacking prowess.

With the game deep into stoppage time, Kerberos would launch one last attempt to win the tie: Optic would send in Jethro, but the $60 man was denied by Bogdanović. With the tie level after 90 and 120 minutes, we would get penalties. To make up for his mistake, Lennon would open the scoring with the first penalty, but Midas Hepatitis would equalize with Kerberos’ first immediately. With his nerves running high, Marcus Neagu would step to the spot but be denied by the keeper, advantage Kerberos? No, Danny Optic’s penalty would be saved as well. With the score level, Akiyama Hernandez stepped up for Zagreb’s third, scoring into the bottom corner. Kerberos would keep Level through “no changes” Jethro. With Zagreb’s fourth, Vargas would keep Zagreb ahead, scoring the 3-2 lead in the shootout. Bai Chao’s kick, although nearly saved, equalized next. All would go down in the next two kicks: After Scooter McGavin converted, the pressure was on for Nicky Handles, who would crumble. His shot was too tame and could be saved by Bogdanović.

With Zagreb winning the penalty shootout 4-3, Kerberos crashed out with heart break as they more than enough chances to advance.