The more than impressive 2008-2009 season came to a close early Sunday afternoon.  After a host of accomplishments, SFC Real, the Sarasota Football Club's 1st Division representative.  A great crowd showed up for the 11am match verse rivals Largo United. 

Largo and Real have played 4 times over the past year with the win column favoring Largo.  Real was poised to beat Largo and end their incredible season with another title, Division 1 Champions.  With a blow to the whistle, a hot May 31st Sunday played out to an epic fight for the title.  Since Real had won the 1st Division regular season title (click here for results) and being strucked by a stern blow from Galactics in the 2-1 overtime loss in the State Cup Final, they had the will the win.

An early goal from Largo seemed to set Real into a tactical struggle for the first 30 minutes, before settling in to maintain possession and handle the ball control.  The first half ended 1-0 with Largo in front.  

A quick start to the second half would disallow Real from an early equalizer.  10 minutes into the 2nd half, the Largo goal keeper would be given a straight red card from the referee for striking Real's Grant Duffy in the penalty box.  The red card would drop Largo down to 10 players and provide Real's Jacobo Becerra a penalty kick.  Like much of the other penalties, Becerra tied it up with a beauty.

The next 20 minutes were all Real.  Beautiful ball movement, hard work and a formidable defense gave Real 2 more goals.  Becerra would head home the second off a cross from Adam DeClerico.  The cross would perfectly weighted and position for Becerra.  The next goal for Real came from Jani Galik, assisted by Becerra.

With much determination, Largo would responde with two quick goals that had Real's defense on their heels.  Caught off guard and complacency allowed the Largo team to move forward with a pugent attack that tied the match 3-3.  Real seemed shell shocked.  Their goal keeper and defensive captain trying to sort out the rubble.  Real's attacked did not squander as they quickly came back to post their 4th goal of the game against 10-man Largo.  "What it really came down to was determination.  Our guys wanted this win terribly.  Our loss in overtime verse Galactics gave us a lot of ammunition, which showed out their today, "said coach Chris McMaster.  

So how did Real's season end up?  Let's take a look:

In 19 games, Real won 13, tied 2 and lost 4.

They scored an outstanding 68 goals in 19 games and allowed 34.  These stats accounted for a boastful 3.58 goals per game and allowed 1.78 goals per game.

Real's top goal scorer was Jacobo Becerra with an awesome 30 in both league and tournament games.

In 2008-2009 year, Real won 2 titles: 

1st Division league title

1st Division Cup (Division 1 Cup Draw)

Soon to come...A premier league spot for SFC Real and a year-end party!