Fire FC advances to State Cup Semi’s behind blazing free kicks
October 18, 2022, Salt Lake City, UT - The 05B IK Fire FC Premier Team remained red hot in yesterday’s quarterfinal State Cup match as they punched their ticket to Thursday’s semi’s with a 3-1 victory over La Roca 05B-C Santos. Not only did this specific team accomplish something they’d never done before by reaching the semifinals, but they were able to do so thanks to some impressive shooting by Owen Klingonsmith.
Accounting for two of the teams three goals, Klingonsmith found the back of the net twice on free kicks.
As for the first, Klingonsmith cleared the defensive wall from approximately 25 yards out, and claims a “lucky bounce” helped the ball get past the keeper into the net. The second however, was a beautifully placed shot from just outside the eighteen which found itself over the goalie and into the left upper 90.
According to Klingonsmith, practice is what makes perfect in these intense game situations.
“The first one was probably about eight yards past the eighteen. I just got it over the wall, takes a lucky bounce I guess and the keeper couldn’t handle it. The second one was on the right side of the eighteen…I was able to get it over the wall and curve it into the left upper ninety,” Klingonsmith explained.
“Over the course of a week I take somewhere between sixty and one hundred [free kicks],” Klingonsmith added.
Now advancing to the semifinal round against the Utah Soccer Alliance on Thursday, Klingonsmith says it will be absolutely critical for the team to show up and continue proving they can compete with northern Utah clubs.
“We’ve got to show up to play and prove that St. George teams can compete with northern Utah teams, so hopefully we can get to the finals,” He said. “It would be awesome.”
Watch the full interview