Kisling's Tavern
HANGOVER UNITED
Soccer Club
Baltimore, Maryland USA - Est. 1995

HANGOVER UNITED - MATCH REPORT 2003 DiMARCO CUP FINAL

HANGOVER WIN 2003 DiMARCO CUP, 3-1 OVER CARDWELL’S
By David Jones for soccernet.com
2 DECEMBER 2003

BALTIMORE, MD – Hangover United won their first DiMarco Cup on Tuesday night at Utz Field in Patterson Park. The cold wind and freezing temperatures did not prevent Hangover from coming out hot. From the opening whistle Hangover came on strong and took it right to Cardwells. In the 7th minute Aron Shea played a nice ball through to John Jenkins who let the ball bounce up and he smacked a left volley past the keeper who had come off his line giving Hangover the early 1-0 lead. The again in the 12th minute Jenkins again found himself in on goal on a ball played by Aron Shea, this time he just popped the up and over the rapidly closing keeper into the open net, 2-0 to Hangover. Only two minutes later Jenkins again had another go at goal this time from 20 yds out, but the keeper was able to get a hand on this one and push it wide. “I thought Jenkins had a hat-trick in the first 15 minutes. That was a nice save by the keeper” said player/manager Chris King. Hangover went on to play one of their most dominant halfs of the season. Hangover seemed to win every header or 50/50 ball they challenged. The possession led to a handful of opportunities. Ray Mitcham played a beautiful ball back into the middle that went over the defenders head and Aron Shea then cracked a shot past the keeper and just under the crossbar making it 3-0 in the 35th minute. Only a couple moments later, Hangover keeper Bert Miller faced a shot that looked destined for the net but with an excellent dive, he got a hand to the ball and put it wide. “That save right there was huge. If that goes in it changes the complexity of the match entirely. It would have been a different game” said player/manager King. The half ended with Hangover sitting on a 3-0 lead.  

In the second half, Hangover started off well but the elements were getting to each side. With cold feet, space started to open up ball possession started to become difficult. A poor clearance in the 55th minute led to a quick cross that found its way to the foot of the Cardwell’s striker who poked it into the empty net making it 3-1. That rejuvenated the Cardwell’s side who picked up the intensity. They had a wonderful chance only moments later but the striker, who was alone in front of net, put the ball well over the crossbar. Hangover were able to create a couple good scoring chances on counter attacks as the Cardwell’s side push men up. Most notably Butch Santucci crack from 16 yds out that forced the Cardwell’s keeper to make a good save. As the clock ticked down the intensity of Cardwell’s side dropped. The final whistle blew and Hangover United were the 2003 DiMarco Cup champs with 3-1 victory.

At the post match press conference at Kislings player/manager Chris King said, “Hangover came to play tonight and it showed. We wanted to get out in front and force them to play catch up and that’s exactly what were able to do.” After 7 years of playing in the DiMarco Cup, Hangover finally get their names on it. “Its been too long, but finally got here. 2 down, 1 to go for the TREBLE!!” King added.

Hangover now make their way to the Finals of the MMSL Division II Playoffs next Sunday December 7th at 11:00 AM –v- Ashland Café at Utz Field in Patterson Park. Ashland Café got by PJ’s Pub 3–2 in the semi finals.

MAN OF THE MATCH: THE WHOLE TEAM
GOAL OF THE MATCH: Aron Shea (cracker under the bar)
FOUL OF THE MATCH: Tom Burgoon

NEXT MATCH: MMSL DIV II PLAYOFF FINAL: SUN DECEMBER 7th -v- Ashland Café ko 11:00 AM, Utz Field @ Patterson Park