Lower Alabama Report: November 19

U17 World Cup disappointment

U17 World Cup

Image credit: US Soccer

The United States U17 squad was knocked out of the World Cup, losing to Morocco in PK's. The disappointing result came after the United States took an early lead in the 21st minute on a goal by Jude Terry (assist from Cavan Sullivan). The US side couldn't take advantage of other opportunities throughout the game, leaving the door open for Morocco. In heart-breaking fashion, Morocco found an equalizer in the 89th minute, sending the game to be decided by PK's (no overtime periods). The US was sent home with a save made by the Moroccan keeper on the fifth round shot by Maxi Carrizo. Cavan Sullivan was the clear player of the tournament, with four goal involvements out of the five total goals scored by the US team.

UPSL

The regular season ended last week for the Premier Division, and the two Lower Alabama teams didn't make the playoffs. FC Columbus Elite finished with a bang.

Last week's results

Potros 6-1 FC Birmingham

FC Columbus Elite 9-0 Kalonji Pro-Profile. Blake White had a hat trick, along with braces for Thierry Jules and Emmanuel Ngoy.

Angelus 2-2 UMA II

Columbus Knight Eagles 2-2 Middle Georgia United

This week's match

Image credit: Columbus Knight Eagles

Division 1 closes out with UMA II facing Columbus Knight Eagles on Sunday, November 23rd at 3:00 CT. UMA will be the home side, and they should be set for a playoff birth, at third in the Georgia South table, but with a lot to be decided for final positioning. They're one point behind Angelus, and tied on points with Augusta. Angelus finishes up against last place Middle Georgia, while Augusta will be facing first place LSA Norcross, so UMA needs to collect three points to likely maintain third place.

On the other side of the pitch, CKE appears to be eliminated from playoff contention. The Eagles lost the first match-up against UMA 4-6, and I expect that UMA will take care of business here. The biggest risk will be keeping emotions in check, and avoid getting anyone caught up in a red card against a chippy rival.