US Futsal earn spot in CONCACAF semifinals

Thursday was a huge day for the U.S. Futsal National Team, setting the stage for an appearance in the semifinals of the CONCACAF Championships.

Chicago Storm goalkeeper Jeff Richey made a amazing 32 saves and former Wave midfielder Matthew Stewart scored a goal and assisted another as the U.S. upended Costa Rica, 6-2, to win Group B in Guatemala City, Guatemala. The U.S. will face the home team Guatemala Saturday in the semifinals. Guatemala ties 3-3 with Cuba on Thursday in Group A play.

A stellar effort by Richey, which included stopping Costa Rica's fifth attacker set with less than 9:00 remaining, came one day after containing Team Panama to a single goal.

"I thought Jeff played an unbelievable game in goal, and we needed that," U.S. head coach Keith Tozer said.

Stewart tallied the fifth goal for the U.S. against Costa Rica, while also forcing a turnover and getting the assist on Jamar Beasley's goal that gave the U.S. an early 1-0 lead.

"Matt brings so much heart and desire to the games that he plays in," Tozer said. "Matt came back today and played a superb game."

The U.S. defense held Costa Rica scoreless in the second half. while on the offensive side, six different players scored a goal in Team USA's victory. Former Wave player Pat Morris, Sandre Naumoski, Dan DeGeer and MISL Finals MVP Denison Cabral had the other scores for the U.S. as they continue their trek to defend their CONCACAF crown.

"It was a tremendous moment for U.S. futsal," Tozer said. "Our job is not done. We really want to qualify for the World Championships, which will be our first goal in our first match on Saturday. And with a victory there, then we'll go for the gold on Sunday."


U.S. CONCACAF Championships Schedule:

Tuesday, June 3: U.S. 5, Haiti 3

Wednesday, June 4: U.S. 1, Panama 1

Thursday, June 5: U.S. 6, Costa Rica 2

Saturday, June 7: Semifinals, US v. Guatemala/ Panama v. Cuba 3 p.m./5 p.m. (CST)

Sunday, June 8: Championship, 3 p.m./5 p.m.* (CST) * if necessary

The U.S. Futsal National Team is coached by Milwaukee wave coach Keith Tozer and includes Wave Goalkeeper Nick Vorberg
Source outsportscentral.com

Here is 2nd half action from the game