Hellenic United Athletic Club | Chicago, USA

Hellenic United O30 "White" kicked off its inaugural Premier Soccer League Over-30 season losing to St. Charles Celtics Red by the score of 4-2 at the East Side Sports Complex in St, Charles, Illinois.

The PSL O30 Division newcomers did not get off to a good start as the St. Charles Celtics opened the scoring just seven minutes into the match. A Hellenic United defensive miscue led to a "gift" for home side St. Charles Celtics, which was converted for an early 1-0 lead. It was only time before the strong wind and another HUAC defense mishap led to a St. Charles Celtics 2-0 early lead.

HUAC got a breath of fresh air when Kostas Vellios and Jordan Cooper came onto the game as subs. HUAC started to pressure and was successful in pinning St. Charles Celtics into their own third for the remainder of the first half. Vellios was deemed far too fast for the opposition and it was a free-kick that he won that lead HUAC to their first goal of the season. Cooper delivered the goods but Demetriou was the one that picked up the loose ball just outside the St. Charles Celtics box to send the ball in the back of the net. Having momentum HUAC pressured even more and it was Vellios once again that forced the opposing defense to concede a penalty. Andy Demetriou stepped up to the spot and send the keeper the other way as the ball rested comfortably in the net to tie the game at 2-2.

HUAC seemed to lose composure after the 60th minute and went down on the score 4-2. Alex Javaras had a golden opportunity right after the score was 3-2 but his shot went wide. Bill Tsoukalas also missed a good opportunity to score after a nice cross from the right with the clock nearing the 75th minute. When the Celtics scored the 4th goal with 10 minutes to go, it was obvious that the game was lost. However HUAC came close to scoring a 3rd goal 2 minutes before the end of the game, when Kostas Vellios dribbled past half of the Celtics team, only to see his shot blocked by the keeper.

Bill Javaras who dominated as a left back, Kostas Vellios and Andy Demetriou with 2 goals were Hellenic United's MVPs.

"We maintained control for most of the game and it was almost certain that we would end up on top, especially after we tied the match at half time. Unfortunately the best team did not win today. HUAC gave away easy goals and missed some really good opportunities to score. The Celtics played a rough but clean game. They took advantage of United's weaknesses, turned their opportunities into goals and won the game."

"I believe that the defining moment was on the 60th minute, when while we were pressuring the Celtics, we received an unexpected goal. At that point we lost our composure and we rushed the ball," said coach Mario Mamalis and then added: "We could have had the equalizer in one of our many attacks, but without a clear mind, opportunities were lost."