The day began with an early wake up call for a bus ride to the city of Asti! Team ASA had a chance to meet with city’s newly elected Minister of Sport, Mario Bovino and local historian, Giuseppe to learn more about the city, which was founded in the 1st century as part of the Roman Empire. We were welcomed and honored in the Palazzo Civico or town hall. We received the “key” to the city, a banner that means we always have a friend in Asti!
After touring the town hall we walked through the city, hearing about the history of Asti. It was interesting to learn that the 15th century was really Asti’s most thriving time. We saw Torre Rossa, one of the two towers that made up the western most gate to the Roman city in the first century AD. We also saw the Cattedrale, constructed in Piedmontese gothic style and built in 13th century, it was extremely impressive.
Following the tour of Asti, we headed to Alessandria to the Centrogrigio Sport Village. The sport village is an all encompassing sport complex, two restaurants, locker rooms, multiple soccer fields, indoor facility, paddle tennis and volleyball clubs.
We had lunch in one of the restaurants, toured the facility and then it was time for warmups. Game one of the Alessandria Cup kicked off at 3:45PM and the boys were ready to go!
Seven minutes into the first half we were awarded a free kick 20 yards out, Matthew Martinez took the kick, lofting it right over the keeper! GOAAAAAAAAALLLLLL!!!!!!!
The first of four great goals, ASA rolled with the momentum and ended with a 4–1 win. Matthew Martinez had a hat trick, and Derrick Reyes-Cueva scored one.
Next up, the girls took the field. After an international walk out and both anthems the game was underway.
The girls started strong, possessing the ball and creating chances. The first goal came 13 minutes into the first half, a breakaway from Sophia Southhall ending with a goal! The girls kept up the pressure and were rewarded with two more goals, by Emma Bates and Ana Fagen. The game finished 3–1 and we are looking forward to the second match tomorrow!
Both teams left Centrogrigio Sport Village with a win! Team ASA is buzzing here in Italy.
Stay tuned for Day 4 — Futsal Orange Clinic and the championship games of Alessandria Cup!
