Japan twice fought back to force the game into penalties and ultimately held their nerve in the shoot-out to claim their maiden title. “It was a difficult moment for us because we were so close, but I think Japan, a country which has gone through so much over the past months, almost needed the victory more than we did,” said USA striker Abby Wambach. “The thought that their success will bring happiness and hope to the Japanese people is a consolation.” NCAA Soccer The Division I Men’s NCAA College Cup is a tournament of 48 teams who play for the NCAA Championship. The Akron men’s soccer team defeated Louisville 1-0 in the 2010 NCAA College Cup final, capturing the school’s first championship in any sport in its second consecutive finals appearance. The 9,672 fans at Harder Stadium on the campus of UC Santa Barbara constituted the largest crowd since 2004 to witness a championship match. “It means more than anyone could ever imagine,” said Zips sophomore defender Zarek Valentin, whose older brother Julian led Wake Forest to the 2007 title. “Because it’s that first one, it kind of breaks the ice, and now it gives us and the rest of the student body hope that we can keep progressing in all sports, from football to basketball…to anything else.” Akron (22-1-2) got on the scoreboard in the 79th with a goal from 15 yards out by sophomore midfielder Scott Caldwell, the fifth of his career, all during the postseason. Caldwell, named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Offensive Player, found the upper right-hand corner of the net after his previous shot was deflected. “Once I got my first one it just gave me the confidence to keep going forward and looking for more opportunities to score,” he said. “But there’s been some luck involved too – the ball’s been bouncing my way -- and that’s what happened today.” The Zips stopped a shot on goal line in the final minute to preserve the win. Cardinals freshman forward Aaron Horton, who had last-minute game-winning goals in the previous two
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Across: Controlling the ball by stopping or changing its direction One of the F’s in FIFA Some consider to be the best all-around players The most critical move in soccer They often have cleats and some consider them to be the most important soccer equipment 12. This is a player who can use his or her hands and stays near the net International soccer competition takes place at the cup Most popular of pass in soccer Possible miles-per-hour speed of a kicked soccer ball They are in constant motion during the game The player does this to make contact with a ball that is too high to reach with a foot The players in this position are similar to guards in basketball Soccer players should not use this part of the body Down: Moving the ball 10 - 12 inches per bounce and keeping control of it while moving These players help protect the goalkeeper One should use this part of the body when kicking the ball Roman name for soccer Type of kick that sends the ball in the opposite direction The number of players on a soccer team In 1900 soccer was added to these games The purpose of FIFA is to formu- late these pads are worn for leg protec- tion Acronym for the US Pro soccer organization