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The South Philadelphia Lady Strikers under-12 soccer club posted an undefeated record (4-0) and won their division championship at the recent Beach Blast Sand Soccer Tournament in Wildwood, N.J.
Goalie Alaina Zepp allowed only two goals for the entire tournament. In the 2-1 championship-game victory over the South Penn Comets, Julianna Casasanto knocked in the game-winner with 21 seconds remaining. She netted both goals in the match.
Eva Harvey, Francesca Siciliano, Milan Cassell and Joelle Guaglione made strong contributions on the defensive side, while forwards Demi Ferrara, Karla Masciotro and Casasanto chipped in with solid offensive play. Page Archer and Samantha Charlton provided top midfield play.
The Strikers under-11 team settled for the silver at the Wildwood tournament after losing 6-3 in the title game. Goalie Joe Lolio allowed only three goals in pool play. Vincent De Fino, Tommy De Fino Dominic Rago, Phillip Cardella and Danny Pooler led the offense, while Billy Stermal, Anthony Verratti, Sean Pooler and Justin Coney made the defensive stand.
King inks KO artist
Tyrone Brunson is one of the best kept secrets in the boxing world as the co-world-record holder for consecutive first-round knockouts.
Championship titles are what the pugilist from 28th Street and Snyder Avenue covets most and, with the help of new promoter Don King, the goal could soon become a reality.
"I am just happy to be with Don; It’s a blessing," Brunson, who signed the pact June 30, said during a recent phone call.
The fighter was with Lion Heart Boxing, but said he cut ties with the New York-based company.
Brunson last fought June 8 in New Zealand where he beat Jamie Waru for his 18th consecutive first-round knockout. The victory tied current WBA super featherweight champion Edwin Valero for the world record. The successful run has the pugilist rated No. 12 by the North American Boxing Organization.
His plans are to fight one more time in the middleweight division (160 pounds) and then drop down to his natural weight of 154 pounds.
"After I break the record [for first-round knockouts], it’s like I’ll be starting over again," Brunson said, noting he would like to fight for a world title within two years.
— Bill Gelman
