Fire United Qualifies a Pair
Atlanta Sends U13 Girls and U16 Boys to North American Finals
Atlanta Fire United Press Release - www.atlantaunitedsoccer.com
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
ATLANTA, GA – The Atlanta Fire United’s USL Super Y-League season wrapped up on Saturday, August 9 at Scott Hudgen’s Park closing out the regular season for six AFU teams that competed in the South Atlantic Division. However, for two of those teams, the fun is just beginning. The U16 Boys coached by Pancho Ugarte and the U13 Girls coached by Mirza Mustafic both qualified for the 10th Annual North American Finals in Tampa, Florida to be held Friday, November 21 to Tuesday, November 25.
Needing a win secure a trip to Nationals, the U13 Atlanta Fire United Girls came out swinging, scoring three before the afternoon was over.
 “This was a terrific finish to a terrific season,” said Fire Head Coach Mirza Mustafic. “[Tampa] will be a test we are looking forward to, but for now, we’ll just enjoy the moment.”
The win gave the Fire a 7 -1 -1 record on the season. In that time the side outscored their opponents 25 to five and nudged out their cross-town rivals, the Atlanta Silverbacks by one point.
The Fire United’s U16 Boys finished second in an age group that saw only one point separate second place through fourth place. With the winner of the FC Fredericksburg vs. AFU match on Saturday, August 9 assured a trip to the North American Finals, both teams came out at full strength. AFU got a pair of goals from Daniel Mohsen and Aldyn Royes while goalkeeper Chris Alonzo picked up a shutout. Alonzo’s defense helped to ensure the team would play in November by limiting the chances of FC Fredericksburg in the win.
“I am very excited for these boys,” said Head Coach Pancho Ugarte. “They believe in each other and it shows. Thanks to the Club for believing in me, we will work hard [to do well at] the North American Finals.”
“We appreciate our long standing relationship with United Soccer Leagues and the Super Y-League,” said Atlanta Fire United Executive Director of Coaching, Jay Miller. “They are a significant partner in providing quality soccer experiences for our players.”
“By focusing on this program, we are presenting better year round options for our teams,” added the Fire’s Super Y-League Director, Mark MacKain. “We have both parents and players who are excited because the North American Finals have now become a reality.”
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