The Shreveport United’s first appearance in the GCPL Cup Finals comes up short 3-0 to Jackson, MS-based Gaffa FC. The journey to get there for the night was not an easy trek for with team. The 7:00 kickoff time did not happen due to a lightning delay. Oncoming storms loomed in the distance and kickoff off kept being pushed off. A promising crowd with a parking lot full of supporters dwindled as the game kept becoming delayed. 7:15 rolled to 8:15. 8:15 rolled to 9:15. Rumors circulated that the game would not be played on Sunday because college players had to report and would not be available to Gaffa and Shreveport would be handed the title at 10:01. This was not verified by Gaffa. A late kick was still presumed. They would push to 11:00 and if no kickoff, the two teams would meet at 6:00 am on Sunday. In other anxious players and confusion abound. I attempted to go into the stadium to find coaches to find out truly what would happen. The GCPL representative was watching the radar to make sure no lightning would occur. At 9:35, if no lightning for 12 minutes and kickoff would occur at 9:42. Signs of the two teams appeared to begin warmup. The kickoff started at 9:51.
The build-up to the final and excitement showed in the aggressive play of the first half. Dan Hofler’s attempt to receive a pass resulted in a face-first slide for 15 yards on the soaked artificial turf after a push from the defense. Steven Bush attempted a sliding tackle extend a few more feet and tackled the Gaffa player resulting in a yellow card. Neither had control in the first half with burst past the back lines on both sides. Gaffa FC struck first in the 28th minute and carried the 1-0 lead into halftime.
The second half saw two more goals for the opposing team as Gaffa collected their second GCPL title in club history.
The season for Shreveport United has been phenomenal. Sad that the only loss for the season came in the cup final. The team confidence was amazing as they dominated the Western Conference and will look to continue that tradition next season. They continue to improve in their history and a cup run is in the cards again. Congratulations to Shreveport United for the great 8-1-1 season.
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