USA, Brazil ship 2018 Mayor’s International Futsal Cup titles
Photo credit: Kevin Johnston/Soc Takes
INDIANAPOLIS — The 2018 Mayor’s International Futsal Cup went down over Labor Day weekend, and there would be no repeat champions this time around in the tournament’s fourth year.
The USA squad hoisted the title on the women’s side after a dramatic late comeback against Iceland in the final. Down 2-nil, the Americans scored twice in quick secession with mere minutes remaining in regulation.
In the shootout, Iceland found itself in a hole after missing its first two attempts, while the Americans converted their first three. Iceland made its next two to put pressure on the U.S., which misfired on its fourth effort. But the USA hammered home its fifth attempt for the 2-2 (4-2) victory.
Former standout collegiate footballer and current Indy Eleven director of corporate development Molly Kruger was a top performer for the U.S., often sparking her team’s offense in regulation and burying her penalty in the shootout.
Glory, glory USA! The Americans hoist the 2018 @MayorsFutsalCup on the women's side after winning 2-2 (4-2) in penalties. @IndianaFutsal @SoccerIndiana pic.twitter.com/NvwrJGsuka
— Soc Takes (@SocTakes) September 3, 2018
On the men’s side, the uber-talented Brazil team jumped out 2-0 on Honduras behind calculated counterattacks. And when the opportunity to counter wasn’t there, the Brazilians exerted patience by slowing the game down and possessing.
A red card to Junyor Zanelatto, whose deflected shot led to Brazil’s first goal, made things interesting. The Hondurans didn’t immediately pull one back before their man advantage expired, but did soon after. They further climbed back in the match following another Brazilian red card in the second half.
But each time Honduras cut Brazil’s lead to one, Brazil responded to restore its two-goal edge. The Brazilians held on to win 5-3 in regulation to hoist the hardware.
It's Brazil 5-3 in the final over Honduras to lift the men's 2018 @MayorsFutsalCup trophy! @SoccerIndiana @IndianaFutsal pic.twitter.com/ZeMwnYrjvi
— Soc Takes (@SocTakes) September 3, 2018
Both the men’s and women’s finals can be replayed at ISCSportsNetwork.com.
Neither of the champions from the 2017 Mayor’s International Futsal Cup were able to defend their crowns. Bahrain won the men’s title in 2016 and again in 2017, but fell to Canada this year in one of the biggest upsets of the knockout round. Last year’s women’s champions, Chile, didn’t field a squad in this year’s tournament.
Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KJboxing.
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