VSI Tampa Flames Inaugural Season Ends With Win Over Schulz Academy

The following report was submitted by Alex Miranda, of VSI Flames Inc.

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The VSI Tampa Flames hit the road for their final match of their inaugural season traveling to Lynn University to take on the Fort Lauderdale Schulz Academy. This was the second time these two teams met this season.

VSI won their first match and were determined to win their second and final match as well. Even though the Flames were unable to advance to the playoffs after tying Orlando City on July 13,  this match was just as important as any as the Flames still wanted to end the season off on a high note with a winning record. Kick-off started at 6 p.m.

Within the first few minutes, the Flames took complete control and dominated possession for the entire first half. Just five minutes into the game, the Flames were awarded their first corner kick of the match. Glen Long caught the defense on their heels as he played a short ball to Deion Jones. Expecting a cross to be whipped in, the goalie stepped off his line to push up the defense. Jones was able to recognize this and he struck the ball into the far upper corner, catching everyone off guard to put the Flames up 1-0.

The first half continued to be dominated by the Flames as they held possession waiting for their opportunities. A few more chances came for the Flames, but the goaltender was able to hold on to everything that came his way. In the 38^th minute, a penalty kick was awarded to the Flames. Matt Duffy stepped up to take the shot. He struck the ball well towards the bottom right corner, however, the goalie guessed right and made a remarkable save to keep Fort Lauderdale in the game. The first half ended shortly after with the Flames leading by just one goal.

As the second half started, another goal was scored even faster than the first. Within the first two minutes, Fort Lauderdale slipped one past the Flames defense for an easy tap into the back of the net.

Schulz Academy seemed to get their grove back together and kept the Flames on their toes for a good portion of the second half.  However, substitute Raul Garcia stepped on the field only to make a difference once again.

With two goals and an assist in the last three games, Garcia stepped up to the plate as the Flames were awarded yet another penalty kick. This time, Garcia made no mistake as he rifled it into the left corner of the net to put the Flames up again, 2-1 in the 30^th minute.

With momentum in the Flames favor again, they were able to score again, just 10 minutes later as Kenny Hogg laid a ball off to Eusebio Montoya who slipped the ball into the back of the net to make the score 3-1, Flames. The final whistle blew 10 minutes later, and the Flames were able to celebrate their final game of the season with a much-deserved victory.

As the season has finally come to an end, the Flames placed 4^th in the Southeast Division with an overall winning record of 7-5-4 for a combined total of 25 points.

Schulz Academy finished the season in 7^th place with a record of 3-10-3 for a total of 12 points. Orlando City clinched the 2^nd seed playoff spot just behind Ocala Stampede who finished first.

Though the Flames season is now over, they would like to thank all their fans for all the support given throughout the summer to make an unforgettable first season for the new VSI Tampa Flames franchise. They look forward to another successful season next summer. Stay tuned to www.vsi-flames.com for update to date info for the 2013 season and to purchase your season tickets.

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