Hellenic United Athletic Club | Chicago, USA

Hellenic United came away with a third place group finish in its first ever appearance at the prestigious Green White Tournament held in Mount Prospect on July 18th and 19th. Chicago Kickers won the group and advanced to the semi finals before bowing out to eventual champion Schwaben. 
 
Day One
 
Green White-Hellenic United: 2-1
 
Hellenic United came out with a bang to start the tourney when Jovica Nanic scored after a beautiful give and go with Zekail Gezafer just five minutes into the match. Nanic made an outsanding half field run from his fullback position, fed Gezafer in the penalty area, and slotted home the return one touch pass inside the far post. Hellenic United kept up the pressure and almost scored again 10 minutes later when Mike Marks misfired over the bar on a breakaway. HU controlled play in the first half, yet conceded a goal one minute before half when a Green White striker poked the ball home from short distance after a failed clearance and scramble in front of the net.
 
HU kept up the pressure in the second half and almost took the lead on another breakaway, but Gezafer fired wide from inside the penalty area. A few minutes later, Mahi Mameledzija also missed the mark from just outside the penalty area, squandering another great opportunity to put HU ahead.
 
What HU couldn't accomplish after numerous golden opportunities Green White did with its sole scoring chance in the match five minutes from time. A beautiful one two at the right edge of the box led to a far post strike that deflected off keeper David Barszczowski's fingertips and into the net. Final score: Green White 2 HU 1.
 
"It's very frustrating to lose matches like this" said HU coach Andy Sotiropoulos. "We controlled the entire match, created quite a few opportunities, yet still lost. The first goal we conceded was very soft. That's what happens though if you don't put teams away when the opportunity presents itself.  The last goal is one David probably should have had, but hey, he's not Superman. He's made some spectacular saves this year. We should have put this one away early." 
 
Hellenic United-Chicago Kickers: 0-0
 
"We got lucky in this one" said Sotiropoulos. "Kickers outplayed us and outworked us. Good thing David made a spectacular save in the second half or we would have lost. Kickers deserved better."
 
Hellenic United-Highlanders: 3-0 (forfeit)
 
Day Two
 
Lions-Hellenic United: 2-1
 
A shorthanded HU squad, playing with only nine field players, found itself down 2-0 in the first ten minutes of the match. Reinforcements arrived midway through the first half in the way of two Over 30 squad members, but HU could not pull it out despite closing the gap to 2-1 five minutes from time after Mahir Mameledzija slotted home a Nermin Dautovic feed.
 
"It's absolutely impossible to play two men short in tourneys like this with no offsides" said Sotiropoulos after the match. "There's not much more to say. Congratulations to Lions. They came ready to play. We didn't. End of story."
 
Hellenic United-Eagles: 5-1
 
A full strength HU side took out its frustrations on essentially an Eagles reserve team. "There's not much to critique or comment on here" said Sotiropoulos. "We played their B team. No way do you see this type of scoreline if they bring their first team. Nonetheless, it was great to see the effort. We played some good soccer."
 
HU's last game could be best described as the Mike Marks show. In his first game at striker in HU Blue colors, Marks put on a stunning performance, scoring two goals and assisting on another. He scored off of a Gezafer feed, returned the favor by assisting on Gezafer's lone tally in the match, and then capped everything off with a dazzling solo effort for his second goal. "That second goal Mike scored was something to see" said Sotiropoulos. "He stole the ball, dribbled not one but two guys near the endline in the penalty area, then beat the keeper from a very difficult angle. Highlight reel stuff. I know Mike is chomping at the bit for an opportunity to play up front, but I've needed him to play on the wing so far this season, for a variety of reasons. He'll get his chance, though."
 
Mahir Mameledzija assisted Danilo Acamovic and Milan Tica on the other two HU goals, with Tica scoring on a left footed rocket from outside the penalty area after a beatiful pass back. "I'm glad the goals had nets, otherwise, that ball Milan hit might still be travelling" said Sotiropoulos.    
 
Final Group Standings  
 
1. Kickers *
2. Green White
3. Hellenic United
4. Lions
5. Eagles
6. Highlanders
 
*advance to semifinals