| Andre Press Sports Ticker Sudwerk Shocks Davis United By Bryant Maxwell AP Soccer Writer DAVIS, Calif., Nov. 21 -- Displaying outstanding defense for the second straight week, FC Sudwerk upset first-place Davis United 2-0 on Tuesday night and moved out of the league's cellar. Sudwerk, 1-3-1, derailed United's attack early on by marking well and dominating the midfield. Hans Hemann tallied Sudwerk's first goal on a left-footed shot from 6 yards in the first half, after the red-and-black applied continuous pressure in United's zone. In the second half, United sent more players forward and attacked relentlessly, but Sudwerk's defense held up and generated dangerous counterattacks, including a two-on-one breakaway that produced the team's second goal midway through the final period. "We're obviously thrilled with this result," said Ramal Werdna, FC Sudwerk president and CEO. "We outplayed a quality team in Davis United. We've shown that we belong in this league and we must be taken seriously." United, which fell to 4-1-0 after suffering its first defeat of the season, was stymied time and again as it tried to ignite its potent offense. Prior to Tuesday, United had scored 23 goals, for a league-leading average of 5.75 goals a game. Although United controlled much of the play in the second half and kept the ball predominately in Sudwerk's half, the team had trouble getting clear shots. Sudwerk's tenacious defenders pounced on rebounds, allowing United few second-chance opportunites. Sudwerk goalie Chris Lief celebrated his 35th birthday by delivering another fine performance and recording his first shutout of the season. While Sudwerk tired, it stayed well organized to the final whistle. "Everyone played truly fantastic defense," Werdna said. "Our offense is beginning to come alive as well. I'm confident we can continue improving right up till the playoffs." The game's high intensity, however, produced some of the roughest play this season. With just under 3 minutes remaining, Sudwerk defender Andrew LaMar and a United striker earned silmultaneous two-minute penalties for shoving inside the Sudwerk penalty area. On the red-and-black's second goal, netted by Joe Cardoza, United's goalie decked Sudwerk striker Bruce Berry after Berry slotted the ball to wide-open Cardoza. "The referee needs to keep a tighter handle on things," Werdna said. "When you start beating very competitive teams, they're bound to get physical. That's part of the game, but we don't want things to get out of control." In other league action, Fearless forfeited to River Plate. Fearless, 1-4-0, dropped into last place and River Plate, 3-1-1, moved within two points of United. Sudwerk faces Fearless at 8:45 p.m. next Tuesday. ## |