Midwest Indoor Challenge Cup: February 16-17, 2008

report ... by Steve Moulton

Chicago Black emerged as winners of the 2008 Midwest Indoor Challenge Cup in Cincinnati last weekend. In an all Chicago final, 'Blackout' beat the 'Valentine's Day Massacre' 3-1 after two days of tough competition. The tournament consisted of 8 teams playing in a round robin format, that would ensure 10 games over 2 days for the finalists. As promised 2008 was the most competitive Indoor Challenge Cup yet with 5 of the 8 teams feeling that they had a chance to win the tournament by the end of round robin play on Sunday afternoon. The quarter final match-ups were as follows:

#1 Cincinnati 'A' vs #8 Indiana University
#2 Cleveland vs #7 Michigan
#3 Chicago Black vs #6 Cincinnati 'B'
#4 Central Ohio vs #5 Chicago Pink

Indiana and Michigan put up spirited displays to go down by only 2 goals against top seeds Cincinnati A and Cleveland respectively, before Chicago Black overcame Cincinnati 'B' with relative comfort. Chicago Pink overturned a round robin defeat to Central Ohio to progress to the semi-finals 3-1.

The two semi-finals were very hard fought encounters memorable for some excellent defending and goalkeeping. Chicago Black overcame much fancied Cleveland 1-0 before Chicago Pink topped previously unbeaten Cincinnati also by a 1-0 scoreline.

The all Chicago final saw Chicago Black take an early two goal advantage before Chicago Pink hit back right after the break. A truly excellent team goal worthy of any final halted any thoughts of a grandstand finish and Chicago Black were good value for the 3-1 victory.

Special mention to Kenny Darko-Kagy who was awarded the Raj Bhangu Fair Play and Sportmanship award for his performances throughout the tournament.