August 27, 2008 > Newark Arsenal falls in overtime of the Newark Referee Classic final Newark Arsenal falls in overtime of the Newark Referee Classic final Submitted By Coach Stelios Tzannis Photos By Don Jedlovec Newark Arsenal boys U-12 Division 3 soccer team lost to Antioch Delta Fusion during in overtime of the championship game of the Newark Referee Classic tournament, held at Newark's Sportsfield Park on Saturday, Aug. 16, and Sunday, Aug. 17. Arsenal started the tournament strongly by beating Roseville Valor, 6-0 in its first match. Goals came from Javier Madrigal, Max Panuco, Albert Perez, James Worley, William Worley and Zachary Montgomery, to go along with a solid defense. In the team's second match of the preliminary round, Arsenal played a strong game before losing to eventual champion, Delta Fusion, 3-1. The game was closer than the final score indicates, as Delta scored its third goal just minutes before the final whistle. The loss put Arsenal in a "do-or-die" game against Almaden Stealth, the winner of the other round robin group and the team with the highest point average in the tournament. First-half goals by Panuco and James Worley gave the Arsenal a 2-0 halftime lead. Arsenal continued their domination in the second half, containing all Stealth attacks with granite-like defense exhibited by William Worley, Juan Antonio Jauregui and Montgomery. Madrigal converted a penalty kick, finishing off the Stealth, 3-0. In the championship game, each team dominated for one half. Newark was the dominant club in the first half. The Arsenal midfield with James Worley, Jacob Chapital, Luis Mendoza, Chris Gomez and Perez shut down Delta. Visibly affected by Newark's good play, wingers Panuco, Zahiem Fazel and Jauregui were able to open gaps in the Delta flanks. Halftime saw the Arsenal up 2-0. The second half was a complete reversal as Delta dominated. Within 15 minutes, they decreased the score to 2-1 and continued attacking the Arsenal defense. Arsenal goalkeeper, Raul Soria kept his team in the game with countless stops. Delta scored the equalizer just two minutes prior to the end of regulation, sending the game into overtime. In the extra frame, the depth of Delta proved too strong for a fatigued Arsenal. The Fusion netted two goals and went on to triumph, 4-2. Newark Arsenal is coached by Stelios Tzannis, Don Worley and Lionel Chapital.