The Switch City Kings have been lead to Xpert League Cup glory thanks to the heroics of their captain Franco Baressi.  The Kings were down 2 - 0 with just 13 minutes to go before Baressi rallied his troops with a stirring display of skill and commitment.  After scoring 2 late goals, the Kings forced the game into extra time and then had to endure a penalty shootout.  They ultimately won the shootout and delivered the finest piece of silverware to the club.

The game could not have started any worse for the Kings.  In the opening minute of play FC Rossie were awarded a penalty after their striker Fernando Alvarengo was felled in the box.  Pau Afonso calmed his nerves and slotted the kick into the bottom left corner.  The Kings were immediately behind the eight ball.

In the 23rd minute FC Rossie were in again.  Rossie were awarded a corner and a delightful ball was sent to the far post for Alvarengo to majestically dive and head the ball into the back of the net.  At 2 - 0 the Kings were shell-shocked.  How would they recover from such a horrendous start?

Late in the first half the Kings finally got out of first gear.  Their strikers were finding space.  First Zeke Juhlin and then Klas Ahlin created shots.  Unfortunately they were easily dealt with by the Rossie keeper.  Although they were unsuccessful, the signs were there that the Kings were going to make a game of it in the second half.

The Kings came out firing in the second half.  Straight from the whistle they dominated possession.  The tide was turning and the crowd could sense a comeback. Whether they could make up the difference was anybody's guess but there was hope.  Two more shots went close but, again, no cigar.

Then it came! The miracle the Kings were after.  In the 77th minute captain Baressi took the game by the scruff of the neck.  He knew it was up to him to get his side back in it and it was now or never.  He came charging from half way to get involved in the attack.  Devis Shakir spotted him and dished the ball off for Baressi to fire off a rocket from 32 yards.  It was like a heat-seeking missile as it flew through the air with a nasty curl which made it unstoppable.  Goal!!!! The Kings now had a sniff and were fired up big time!

With just 10 minutes of normal time to go the call came out from manager Mr Shephunter, "10 to go....get into it lads!".  The Kings were playing like possessed men. In the 85th minute the time Kings management had been waiting so long for finally arrived.  Darrell Holt stepped up.  Holt was handed the playmaking role for this game and demanded the ball after a corner. He got the ball just outside the square before setting off on a sensational dart towards goal.  He nutmegged Roman Jevic before putting on a beautiful spin to beat another player.  In the one motion he shot for goal and the keeper was left dazed as the ball sailed into the top right corner.  The Kings had drawn level with just 5 minutes to go.

With the score locked up at 2 - 2 by the end of regular time, we were going to extra time.  Right at the end of the first half of extra time Baressi converted a penalty to put the Kings ahead.  The captain was rising to the occasion.

It looked like the Kings were going to win the game before FC Rossie were awarded a penalty with just 1 minute remaining.  It shouldn't have been a surprise given how much of a heart stopper the game had been up to this moment.  Alfonso made no mistake and sent the game into a shootout.

The Kings won the shootout 4 - 2 courtesy of their cool headed players. Never in his life had Mr Shephunter been so pleased to have so many of these types of players in his squad.  Jubilation ran freely amongst the Kings players, management and supporter groups as Mr Shephunter and Franco Baressi raised the Cup!

Mr Shephunter spoke shortly after the game.  "What an amazing feeling!  I can't believe we have won the Cup. It was fitting we won it in a shootout as we've scrapped and clawed our way all the way through.  We've had our fair share of luck but without the commitment and hard work these lads showed, it wouldn't have mattered how much luck we had."

"This couldn't have happened to a better bunch of blokes.  I've been with them for a number of seasons now so I know how much this will mean to them.  Particularly, when many of them are coming to the ends of their careers."

"Finally, I'd just like to make special mention of my captain Franco Baressi. This guy has been an absolute star for our side.  He's a rock at the back and, as he showed today, can be damaging going forward. To score a goal and two penalties in that pressure cooker situation truly shows what an amazing talent he is.  Okay, it's time for the beers to flow freely.  Up the Kings!"