ANNA MARIA – After nearly 45 minutes of Island soccer action, playoff underdogs Gulfview Windows and Doors came out on top. With nine saves in the game against the likes of Danny Anderson, JD Webb, Pedro Gonzalez and Will Kretzmann, Tuna McCracken was arguably the game’s MVP.
McCracken’s cat-like reflexes and perfect placement kicks helped take the Gulfview team led by Keith Mahoney to victory against the talented and physically powerful Sato Real Estate squad.
Playing down the first 10 minutes of the game, Gulfview had a player advantage on Sato.
Raul Loera led the Gulfview team in scoring last Thursday night with a hat trick. Loera’s three goals were complemented by a single by Thomas Magnotic, giving the team the 4-3 win in the final game of the season.
Mahoney was credited with an assist in the big win. His team made it to through to the end with strong play by Chris Culhane, David Kesten, Zach Long, Brandon Rolland and Asli Gunsel.
On the other side of The Center’s pitch team, captain Josh Sato stood on the sidelines only able to watch his team lose by one goal.
Sato stepped down from the team prior to the start of playoffs knowing he would be away for his wed- ding. Kretzmann, Sato’s replacement, matched the talented skills of the veteran player, scoring two goals in the championship game.
Gonzalez had a solo goal, while teammate Webb made an assist.
Protecting the net for Sato was Mark Rudacille, credited with two big saves in the game, helping his team to stay in the game, along with the strong defense of the Sato squad.
Finishing the season with dynamic play and sheer athleticism, Danny Anderson showed no quit in the game, diving and flying until the final whistles.
Anderson’s teammates Brian Leib- fried, Jacek Czajkowski, Ben Sato, Lindsey Styka and Justine Wells all contributed with strong team play to finish the regular season ranked second going into the playoffs.
The naming of the Paul “Ace” Hay- ward Cup champions set the stage for the adult kickball league’s championship game to be played Monday night. With Captain Ron’s Crew pitted against Paddy Wagon, it is anyone’s game to win.
Sun Scoreboard
Dec. 5
Adult kickball
Semifinal playoff games
Captain Ron’s Crew 9
General Bums 6
Paddy Wagon 22
The Salty Dolphins 12
Dec. 8
Adult soccer
Championship game
#5 Gulfview Windows and Doors 4
#2 Sato Real Estate 3
