New York Pancyprian Freedoms booked their spot in the final of the 2024 USASA Amateur Cup in fashion, dismantling Tobacco Road 5-1 at Northern Illinois University’s soccer complex in DeKalb, Illinois.

Story of the match

New York controlled things early on, and Junior Rosero went for an audacious volley, but he blasted it well over the bar.

Tobacco responded well to the pressure, and they should’ve gone in front themselves moments later. They got the ball into the box, and had one shot blocked, then another, then another. The danger was somehow cleared in the end.

The electric opening continued via a counter from the Freedoms. Sebastian Restrepo burst into space in behind, and he did well to take a quick touch inside and get a shot off, but it was too close to the keeper.

Another lovely bit of play from NY down the left wing set up Luis Argudo on the edge of the area. He couldn't finish the move off, though, instead rolling a shot wide of the frame.

A free-kick from distance looked like it had a chance, but Tobacco’s Drew Kerr hit his effort just a bit off target.

New York had another counter through Restrepo. He slid in Joseph Holland, but he scoffed the shot.

The opening goal finally came soon after. Restrpo was involved again, driving forward with the ball centrally before ripping a shot. Although that attempt was saved, Rosero was on hand to pounce on the rebound.

The Freedoms were able to double their lead right before the break. A defensive miscue allowed the ball to roll right to James Thristino, and he made no mistake from there, slotting home from a few yards out.

Tobacco came out well in the second half, and they came so close to pulling one back on multiple occasions. First a shot was blocked by a flying defender, and then Cameron Kerr, brother of the aforementioned Drew, broke free following a give-and-go but rolled his shot wide.

They would be made to rue those missed chances. Picking up the ball from distance, Rosero decided to just absolutely blast a shot that flew all the way to the top corner. It was a scorcher, and it effectively sealed the result for New York.

The Freedoms added two more to really put things to bed. Restrepo first picked out Jordan Ballon for a tight-angle finish, and then Thristino secured a brace with a late goal.

Tobacco did grab a consolation goal at the death at least, with Jahmir getting onto the scoresheet.

What it means

New York Pancyprian Freedoms advanced to the final with this win, and they’ll play the Milwaukee Torrent on Saturday night at Northern Illinois University.

Notes and Takeaways

USASA did well to set up tents and signage for the contest, but they accidentally blocked the views of the corners for those in the press box. The magic of lower league soccer.

This contest was so much fun to watch in the first half. Both teams really went for it, and whenever anyone got on the ball they drove forward. Tobacco wasn’t able to keep up when all was said and done, but those who watched the game will at least respect their efforts.

The space Tobacco gave the opposition was ultimately what cost them. They allowed New York to run at them time and time and time again, especially down the left wing. Lower league soccer can’t afford to track xG, but it’s likely that figure was quite high.

They won’t need me to tell them this, but the Freedoms will have to make the most of the chances they get in the final. If they’re as careless as they were in front of goal this afternoon, it could very easily haunt them.

I don’t know how scouting works at this level but some professional teams need to take a real look at Sebastian Restrepo. He practically dominated the contest from the left wing, running and dribbling at the defense without ever really stopping. His speed and skill should be an asset at most levels.

Man of the match - Junior Rosero

Junior Rosero broke the deadlock, and then he pretty much ended the game with a dagger of a third goal. That sounds like a man of the match to me.

The first was a classic number 9’s kind of goal, as he was at the right place at the right time to capitalize on a spill from the goalkeeper. The second, on the other hand, was simply a thunderbastered from the parking lot. He decided to put his laces through it, and his powerful shot flew past a helpless keeper.

If Rosero does something like that in the final, then he’ll likely be hoisting the Amateur Cup trophy at full-time.

Key Quotes

New York Pancyprian Freedoms head coach Panayiotis Onisforou:

“Our experience was big. We did our research on Tobacco, we knew they were a good team with some good individuals, but we knew they were young, we wanted to take advantage of that. We wanted to utilize our experience, and in the end that showed through.”

“Our job is to get the ball to the attackers, and their job is to finish it. We don’t want to stifle their creativity, I was never a creative player, so I’m not one to give advice to them on that. We pick players who are creative, and even those that come off the bench can still deliver. There’s talent in abundance. We allow them to be themselves.”

New York Pancyprian Freedoms forward James Thristino:

“Luckily it took a nice bounce right to my direction, and I knew to place it with my first touch. The keeper had made some nice saves, so I knew he was going to come quick. Fortunately it fell to me.”

“We really spaced the field out well. We switched the point of attack, got our dangerous players the ball, and created a lot of chances. We could’ve had more goals, put a couple of more away. Hopefully the next game that falls into place.”

“It’s nice, I’ve never been to Chicago, so tomorrow is going to be a nice relaxing day with the team, preparing and scouting for the final and bonding with the guys. I’m ecstatic.”

- Adnan Bašić