Kraze feel Athletics' wrath

While the U.S. national soccer team was battling England to a historic draw on the pitch in Rustenberg, South Africa, Central Florida's top team took on Miami FC in a national tournament.

Though that game played out at press time, it could have historic implications for the Kraze if they make it through the first round.

But the Kraze (3-1-2) entered the special mid-season tournament on a down note, having just picked up their first loss of the season against their archrival Bradenton Athletics.

That game went deep into the second half before a score finally gave the Athletics all they'd need to triumph in their rematch with the Kraze. Taylor Morgan's only look at the net was all he'd need to penetrate with a goal at the 73rd minute.

After that, the Kraze, who had only eight shots in the match, couldn't find a way to equalize. In the two teams' last meeting on June 5, in which the Kraze had more than twice as many shots, neither team managed a score.

For keeper Wes Giachetti, the Kraze's first loss was especially trying as he had only given up three goals all season.

After the U.S. Open national tournament, the Kraze will return to the field with yet another rematch against Bradenton. The Kraze will hope to pick up valuable championship points in the Premier Development League chase, as their recent loss dropped them from first place in the Southeast Division and down to a tie for fourth.

At 7 p.m. Thursday, June 24 they'll be at Winter Park's Showalter Field for their final matchup with their rival for the season.