Ristozi FC defeats Christos FC in the Inaugural 2024 MDV (DMV) Cup Final
The MDV Cup came to an end on Wednesday night (April 17, 2024). The final saw two of the very best in Maryland go head-to-head for a thrilling 90 minutes. The match had to be decided on penalty kicks to determine the winner as it was tied 1-1 in regulation. Ristozi FC prevailed on penalties.
MDV Cup Summary
The 2024 Cup Season concluded with the final of the Maryland-District-Virginia Cup. It started with 18 teams placed in 9 groups with the top two in each group advancing to the knockout stages. The competition was formed to commemorate the centennial of the Maryland State Soccer Association and to bring the best among the area. The northern tier had the Maryland sides under the Patapsco Division. The southern bracket were the teams from the District and Virginia in the Potomac Division. The cross section of clubs included the Super Soccer League, Maryland Major Soccer League, Washington Premier League, Maryland Premier League, Eastern Premier Soccer League and American Premier League.
The final will feature two Maryland sides, Christos FC and Ristozi FC, who were featured in the Patapsco Division. Ristozi fought its way edging Nova FC in the first round, soundly defeating Super Soccer League rival Steel Pulse FC in the quarterfinal and then doing away MoCo1776 FC in the semifinal. Christos earned a bye into the quarterfinal as group winner and easily handled the Virginia Marauders. The semifinal saw them defeat Los Toros to reach the final.
The final concluded tonight at Marriots Ridge High School in Marriottsville.
Match Summary
Christos FC had the momentum in the first half, creating more scoring opportunities and having majority of possession. Despite their efforts, the first half ended 0-0.
In the second half, Ristozi FC began to press higher and utilized their counter attacks effectively. Ristozi FC capitalized first and went up 1-0 with a goal from FUTARO HOSOI in the 52nd minute.
Christos quickly bounced back and tied the game 1-1 with a goal from ALEJANDRO ARBELAEZ in the 54th minute.
The match was tied at the end of regulation, and the winner had to be decided by penalty kicks.
Ristozi goalkeeper NATHAN LYNCH stepped up and made a crucial save, while YUTARO AIKAWA scored the last penalty and gave Ristozi the win.
Final Score
Christos FC 1 – 1 Ristozi FC (4-5 on PKs)
Relive the MDV Cup final full match on youtube:
Brought to you by DMV Sports Media
Congratulations @ristozifc for winning the inaugural
Maryland-District- Virginia Cup
Celebrating 100 years of Maryland Soccer
1924-2024 pic.twitter.com/971Fks1NOh
— Maryland Soccer (@marylandsoccer) April 18, 2024
LETS GOOOOOOOOO