Back-to-back Eastern Pennsylvania Presidents Cup champions Hulmeville SC Dortmund won't have far to go this year to compete in the regional tournament.
After coming up short when the regional tournament was held in West Virginia, finishing with a draw and two losses, Hulmeville SC Dortmund will get to sleep in their own beds as they aim to advance after a strong showing in a hard fought 2-1 win over Berks United in the Eastern PA Presidents Cup final last month.
Ahmed Omer scored in both halves in that 18U Boys final.
Omer opened the scoring early in the first half when he chipped the keeper then asserted a physical presence that carried them throughout the match. Berks nearly tied it midway through the half, but Hulmeville cleared multiple chances off the line before Berks eventually found the equalizer late in the half off a corner.
Berks pushed early in the second half, but Omer headed home a corner to regain Hulmeville’s lead. The momentum continued as he almost found a third immediately after scoring. While Berks pushed the game throughout the second, hitting the bar midway through the half, the Hulmeville defense stayed strong, and the team’s counter attacks kept the game on its edge.
Hulmeville hit the bar late and had several good chances to extend the lead, but Berks nearly stole an equalizer in the dying seconds only to be denied by a fantastic diving save by the Hulmeville keeper to hold on for the win.
“I’m very happy,” Hulmeville coach Mohammed Fask said after the state cup final. “We worked hard these two months, with everything, technique, tactics, physical, that’s why we get this reward.”
Following an opening 3-0 loss to Lancaster Elite in Bracket A, Hulmeville rallied to reel off wins against Future Player Academy (4-0) and Iron Valley United (3-0) before taking out Lionville (1-0) in the semifinal. Last season, Hulmeville defeated Colonial SC in the 17U Final. “It’s something that’s very special because it’s the first time it’s happened at our club,” Travel Director Rob Loper said of the repeat state cup winners.
Following his cup finals brace, Omer was all smiles. “It feels good,” he said. “It was a tough game. I’m glad we won.”
Omer and company open up their regional campaign on Friday at 2 p.m. against another team that doesn't have too far to travel - South Jersey squad Rancocas Valley United. They play West Virginia team FC Alliance on Saturday at 2 p.m. and finish group play FC 814 Celtic from PA West on Sunday at 2 p.m. All three of their games are at The Proving Grounds.