Central Florida Wins 2004 PDL
National Championship.
Central Florida star forward Orville ‘Villa’ Mullings got the ball from Xavier Delgado in the middle at the top of the box and as he cut to the right side, he let off a shot that deflected off the defender marking him. The floating ball glanced off the fingertips of the outstretched hands of diving Rapids Reserve goalkeeper Luis Robles and to the feet of Cook, who put the loose ball away for the game-winner.
The game, broadcast live on FOX SPORTS WORLD, was delayed an hour due to a thunderstorm. Kraze President/GM,Greg Brick stated” It was a tremendous sight to see hundreds of fans lined up and in the rain to watch the match. I would like to personally thank our Central Florida soccer community for their support this season as this is truly an honor to bring the National Championship trophy to our hometown.”
The game was finally underway and the visiting team had most of the play and took it early and often to the Kraze, however the Central Florida defense held strong with Robert Gibbon leading the way. The Kraze only had a few chances in the first half but managed to come away with a
0 – 0 score at halftime. Coach Joe Avallones’ halftime speech must have been motivational as the Kraze came out strong and right at the Boulder Rapids Reserve. It looked as if it was only a matter of time before the Kraze would score but the Boulder’s goalkeeper came up with several big saves including a one-on-one breakaway by Villa Mullings.
The game was destined for overtime and a “golden goal” situation until Justin Cook’s heroics and Ryan McIntoshs’ superb goalkeeping secured the PDL National Championship for the Kraze and the Central Florida Soccer Community!
Coach Avallone stated “Every single player sacrificed so much over the summer in order to bring this title to the Central Florida area. The coaches, staff, volunteers and fans that have been with us since the start of the season should understand it was a total effort which enabled this dream to come true!”