United 2, Charleston 1

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Youtube courtesy Behind the Badge (check out the photos).

Harder than it needed to be, but excellent, a trophy and international play next season.

But... they had better have won because that's the last trophy this season. The defense is suspect when Peralta is playing and bordering on suckful when he isn't. Namoff is out of position, Martinez is out of position, and McTavish is bad and Burch is awful. Moreno is beat and Guerrero is beat and Simms is beat and Emilio is beat and Namoff is beat and Gallardo's not game fit.

All credit for focusing on and winning a third tier trophy, but that shows foresight and honest assessment of this year's team's chances. It shows United understands the value of playing in international tournaments, evaluated this path the surest and most achievable, and played to win a tournament this year they sent a reserve squad to lose to Harrisburg last year. I'm applauding, mind, but fireworks? No.

Too sour? Relief trumping triumph.

Have a photo via Bromark:

D's first impression, Shatz, Stollar.

Oh, OK: