Boca Raton FC heads to UPSL South Florida finals thanks to heroics by Michael Stone

Once again it took penalties, and once again it was goalkeeper Michael Stone who put the team on his back with four huge saves during the penalty kick shootout to send Boca Raton Football Club to the United Premier Soccer League South Florida Finals.

Boca Raton FC got on the board early when Maher Soua was able to easily get through the Red Force defense to give Boca Raton the early 1-0 at the half-hour mark.

From there, Boca Raton FC looked to create better opportunities with the passing game, getting to the Red Force defensive third with relative ease, but was unable to capitalize with another goal.

With Boca Raton leading in the second half, former Boca Raton FC defender, Scott Gordon equalized the game for Red Force with a great run down the right side to give Red Force FC the boost they needed early in the second half.

After a 45-minute lightning delay, the game resumed with both teams battling in what was one of the most competitive UPSL playoff matches of the season.

Both teams played competitively, and with great chances. Stone made a few key saves late in the game to preserve the tie and send the game to penalties.

It took 11 penalty shots, but in the end, it was Stone who had the decisive goal and then block on the Red Force goalkeeper to propel Boca Raton FC to the Finals/

“I’m happy to be able to continue helping my team move on the UPSL playoffs,” Said Stone after the game. “We battle together as a team and to have the opportunity to fight for a trophy is all we ever wanted.”

“We had a good game,” added Boca Raton FC manager, Jim Rooney. “Red Force was a complete team all around and gave us a great game. We battled for over 90 minutes and in the end, Stone was the decisive factor.”

Boca Raton FC will now face Hialeah City FC in the UPSL South Florida Championships this weekend. Should, Boca Raton FC win, the Boys in Blue will fake the winner of the Central Florida Championship for the title of Best In Florida.