Thursday, May 1, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS, IN -- FC Indiana and the Canada U-20 Women advanced to the FCI-PDA International Cup Final after exciting victories over the Mexican U-20’s and Chicago Sockers United FC, resepectively, at Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis Wednesday night.

The host FC Indiana were 3-1 winners over Mexico. Veronica Phewa put FC Indiana ahead in the 25th minute on an assist from Anna Laue. Laue then pushed the score to 2-0 three minutes into the second half on an assist from Phewa before Stafanie Mayor scored for Mexico in the 68th to pull the visitors back within one. Ria Percival secured the victory for FC Indiana in the 90th minute on an assist from Mexican international Tania Morales.

FC Indiana coach Shek Borkowski conceded that his team must make a massive improvement to have a successful season in the W-League.

"The performance was not good enough and we have a lot to do," said Borkowski. "We didn’t start the game well and we gave the initiative to Mexico. They played well throughout."

Borkowski, whose side has allowed only two goals against in six preseason matches, added, "Early on they had a couple of shots against us as a warning. We should have defended better and not given their midfield players the chance to pick their passes. Some players didn’t play to their potential. We’ve a game against Canada on Friday and hopefully we can do better."

FC Indiana now goes on to face the Canadian U-20 Women’s National Team in the Kuntz Stadium decider on May 2nd at 7:00 PM while Mexico and Chicago will square off at 5:00 PM.

Tied 0-0 at the half, Vancouver Whitecaps striker Jodi-Ann Robinson and Toronto Lady Lynx defender Lexi Marton guided the young Canadian squad to a 4-0 victory over the Chicago side. Robinson notched a hat-trick in the win and goalkeepers Justine Bernier (Toronto) and Erin McNulty (Ottawa Fury) shared the shutout with a half each in goal.