USA (4) v (5) Ethiopia
Ethiopia has held off an American comeback to win 5-4 in the quarter-finals for the Big Issue Host Cup
USA (4) v (5) Ethiopia
By Stephanie Rhoden
ETHIOPIA has held off an American comeback to win 5-4 in the quarter-finals for the Big Issue Host Cup.
Both sides were pumped up early, with footballs hitting the wall hard and fast, and Ethiopia snuck the first goal almost without notice from the players and crowd.
Cornelius "The Electrifying One" Cruz was kicking long for the United States, missing early but eventually getting one past the keeper. Scrambling saves by his teammate Tim Cummins kept Ethiopia from scoring, but he could not stop a penalty by Ahmedin.
The Africans managed another goal after a beautiful set-up by Nebiyou Gobeze allowed Mustefa to find his way passed the keeper, and they went in 4-1 leaders at half time.
The Electrifying One showed how he got his nickname after a huge strike from downtown cannoned into the net, allowing the Americans to score first.
Brilliant saves by Cummins kept his country's hopes alive, but Ethiopia managed their only goal for the second half moments later.
America kept pushing and threatening to take the match down to the wire but were beaten by the clock, and Ethiopia came away fortunate winners.
Photos: Photoworx