At right about the same time Spain was facing off against Italy in penalty shootouts, a similar showdown was taking place in Corvallis. After a goalless draw Cometa and the Señoras Enojadas went to penalties to determine who would meet Squirrels in the finals.

Six adult soccer teams, Atrevidos, Cometa, Crown Royal, Jalisco, Señoras Enojadas and Squirrels competed in the Verano Soccer Tournament in Corvallis. The three day event raised over $400 to assist Corvallis children from low income families play club soccer.

The first four shooters from Cometa and Senoras made their penalty shots. When the fifth shooter of Cometa failed to convert the door was open for Elias Arredondo to win the game for the Senoras. Unlike Cesc Fabregas' final shot for Spain, Elias' penalty was saved by Cometa's keeper. Hernan Garcia converted the next opportunity for Cometa putting the pressure back on Senoras. The next miss by Efrain Arredondo for Senoras sent Cometa to the championship.

Squirrels had advanced to the finals by winning their group and defeating Jalisco in the semifinals. A group stage meeting between Squirrels and Cometa two days earlier had resulted in a scoreless draw. Both teams had something to prove.

Squirrels struck first when a loose ball in the area fell to a forward who tucked the goal away. Despite playing two games earlier in the day, Cometa continued to battle for an equalizer. Late in the second half Cometa was awarded a penalty kick. The resulting goal made the game even again until the final whistle. Penalty kicks. Again.

Some good saves by Squirrels' goalkeeper Tyler Luebbert kept the pressure on Cometa. The game remained undecided after the first five shooters. In sudden death Cometa finally cracked and Squirrels celebrated their championship. Congratulations to Squirrels and all the teams who participated in the fun and dramatic weekend of soccer.

Check out more photos from the Verano Soccer Tournament.

Squirrels Team Photo