FLORIDA BEACH SOCCER UNDISPUTED CHAMPIONS

CLEARWATER BEACH, Fla. – Florida Beach Soccer FC today won the Major Beach Soccer Men’s National Championship with a 1-0 victory against Team Spartan in Clearwater Beach. This victory means the team are now undisputed champions of men’s professional beach soccer, having also won the North American Sand Soccer Championship at Virginia Beach in June and More recently won the BAGO Sports Invitational in Trinidad & Tobago making them Caribbean Champions. 

Fainor was on hand to capitalize after Oscar Gil’s shot came to him a yard from goal to tap home. The breakthrough, five minutes into the game, capped a spell of early pressure by the Miami side that the Spartans withstood well until FBSFC got their break.

“That’s the sort of ball where you always try to hit the target because the ball could bounce anywhere,” Gil said. “Luckily [Fainor] was there and it went in, that’s how it goes.”

FBSFC was patient trying to create opportunities, and their experience with U.S. Beach Soccer National Team member’s Gil and Francis Faberoff showed as they were able to carve out chances in both the first and second quarters. Spartans goalkeeper Ryan Lovell was up to the challenge, though, making a number of outstanding saves to keep his side in the game.

The Spartans were also able to create opportunities of their own, with Darus Ward firing over the bar from the left side with a strong effort and Matthew Vandermeer seeing an opportunity go begging when he lost his marker late in the first quarter.

FBS continued to carry more of the game, but as the game wore on the intensity rose. Both sides hit the post, Gil going close for FBS and Ward for the Spartans. FBS had a chance to put the game away with a minute to go, missing a penalty kick, but the Spartans were unable to find an equalizer, giving FBS the championship.

CEO of new kit sponsors Admiral Sportswear was delighted by the result “This is the second US championship claimed by an Admiral club in two months.  We provide the kit to the newly crowned NASL champions Minnesota Stars and now Florida Beach Soccer have won this title” said Paul Hamburger CEO of Admiral.   It’s been a successful year for Admiral in addition to these teams we’re partnered with USL pro club Charlotte Eagles, and many USL PDL clubs including current champions Kitsap Pumas…I hope we continue to give our teams that extra edge or at least a little luck! We’re obviously delighted because the boys won in our new Admiral kit and won in style.”

FBS had an easier time in their semifinal, Gil scoring five goals and Fainor a hat trick in a 10-0 victory against the Quik Hands Galacticos, but after a strong test in the final Gil was glad to have taken home victory.  “It just proves that right now we’re the best side in the United States for beach soccer,” Gil said. “This was a great end, and a great start to 2012.” 

To buy the kit or for more information on Admiral, visit www.admiralsoccer.com. For more information on FBS FC including sponsorships, internships, tickets or to volunteer, call 954-553-0553 or visit  http://www.floridabeachsoccerfc.com/