<b>Plate Final Result:

German All Stars 3 v 3 Gotham Latini AET (German All Stars win on penalties)</b>

German All Stars Report

Line-up: Phillip v.P, Marcus K, Steffen, Rino, Madse, Heiko, Adrien, Benny F, Volker, Michael, Sascha H

Subs: Benny G (Sascha H), Hermann (Rino), Sascha M (Volker), Nick (Heiko), Richard

Scorers: Sascha H (3', 20'), Steffen (120')

Man of the Match: Phillip von Pein

<u>Drama as GAS clinch plate trophy</u>

The Plate trophy or â??the loser's cup' might not be the most glamorous trophy compared to the cup, but that does not mean it is not coveted. In fact, on Saturday both teams deserved to be winners. The GAS started the game full of confidence and hope, being unbeaten for the last 3 months. Joerg was away, so Marcus came back to take charge and win some silverware.

Once again, Marcus didn't really change much from the previous weeks. Make shift goalkeeper Phillip v.P (a striker by trade) stepped in goal. Thomas was away so Madse accompanied Heiko in the middle. Adrien and Benny F started on the wings. The very lethal attacking trio of Volker-Sascha H-Michael again looked to terrorise opponent defences.

The GAS settled very quickly and got off to a flyer when Sascha H scored after only 3 mins. When he received the ball, his back was facing the goal and no one expected him to shoot and even the Latini goalkeeper didn't move as the ball. Things got better for the GAS when Sascha H scored again after 20 minutes. Sascha picked up the loose ball after Steffen's long kick and slotted it past the Latini keeper. The GAS seemed to be in cruise control and thought they could add a third when a Latini defender smashed into Michael in the box. Michael was already passed the Goalkeeper and could have easily scored but Ganesan waved play on. The GAS players were obviously shocked and from the resulting attack Latini pulled one back. It stayed like this until half time.

An unchanged team started the second half but injury and fatigue soon forced Marcus to make changes. The GAS seemed quite content to defend the slender one goal but were soon forced to attack again when a mistake allowed Latini to score the equaliser. Both teams tried their best to score but with no avail. Latini came close several times but Phillip redeemed himself with 3 or 4 superb reflex saves. So both teams couldn't score in regulation time and thus extra time followed. During the second half of ET, some careless play and a good finish by the Latini forward made it 3-2 for them.  Having taken a 2-0 lead, and worked so hard during the season, we were not going to just give up. Right at the death, a long throw by Madse, headed on by Sascha M "Toni" and Steffen "Schoko" headed it in to bring the final to a penalty shoot-out.

The shootout was almost a replica of the Champions league final. The Latini could have won it but their player did a "John Terry" and Pippo managed to save. So it went to sudden death. It took 3 further penalties before Super Pippo saved again to win the Plate for the GAS!!

Individual errors might have cost us some goals but, as we proved in the second half of the season, together as one team, we can achieve great things. Now we have to keep this spirit and attitude for next season (and our unbeaten record since Joerg took charge)! I would again, on behalf of the team, like to thank our main sponsors CROWN LIFT TRUCKS AND EQUIPMENT for their outstanding support.  Thanks also to the Cosmoleague committee for another year of great organisation and we wish all players and teams a nice holiday and break! Til August!!

By: Cyrill Binder

Strong Fight but lack of concentration costs us the Plate Cup

Line Up: JB - Sylvain - Chris - Rob - Brent (Jeje) - Mateo (Benoit) - Luke - Jun - Benji - Thomas - Manu (David)

Plate Cup final, although not as celebrated as the cup title, it was still a chance to win some silverware and get a trophy for the Latini cabinet...think its getting a little dusty there at the moment.

Latini boys as so many times this year with a weekly changing squad. Due to travel and other commitments it has meant that Latini has been consistently playing with a different first 11 for the majority of the season. Lets see what can be done to improve that for next year. Nonetheless we had a very strong squad out and felt confident that we could beat the GAS. Unfortunately once again we were sleeping for the first 30 minutes and GAS could have probably been up by 3 or more goals. Somehow we managed to keep the damage to 2:0 and slowly got back into the game. 2:1 at half time.

We were determined to get back on track and in the second half Latini dominated possession and play. Eventually David got the breakthrough and it was 2:2. We didn't stop there and continued to pile on the pressure. We created chances to clinch the victory...I recall 3 headers in 5 minutes which were saved on the line by the GAS keeper. It is great that our players manage to get into these positions but just a little more concentration and confidence for this aspect of our game is needed to raise our game to the next level. So it stood 2:2 after 90minutes. Extra time started and Latini continued the possession and domination of the game. Although tired legs were kicking in on both sides. We still managed to create some great goalscoring opportunities...eventually a great run by Benji provided David with 1-1 with the keeper...and it was 3:2 with only 2minutes left. Surely we had the deal sealed. GAS were determined to get back into the game. A long throw in from the corner flag and some poor marking by yours truly gave GAS the 3:3.

Penalties against the Germans...need I say more. After 8 penalties GAS won the plate cup - congratulations from all the Latini Boys. For Latini its back to the drawing board and with Robert as a coach to guide, direct and lead the team we look set to have a great season next year...watch out here we come.