NorCal Premier PDP won the B16 final: "It feels surreal"

NorCal Premier PDP defeated Stjarnen 1 at Gamla Ullevi.

NorCal Premier PDP emerged victorious in the B16 final with a 7-6 win against Stjarnen 1 after penalties at Gamla Ullevi Arena.
– I could never have dreamed of winning something this big, said goalkeeper Matthew Gomez.

Initially, NorCal Premier PDP looked the strongest with several goal opportunities within the first 6 minutes. Most of the first half was played on Stjarnen's side of the field. In the 24th minute, goalkeeper Duro Stefan Beic made a fantastic save for Stjarnen. This, combined with strong defensive play from Stjarnen's center-backs, resulted in a 0-0 score at halftime.
– I thought we played better and was confident that a goal would come eventually, said Matthew Gomez.

At the beginning of the second half, the match turned, and Stjarnen put in the strongest performance with fine defensive play. The evenly matched game created several close encounters. Despite a tough match with multiple goal opportunities and many shots, it remained 0-0 in the end.
– I believed in my team but was always ready for penalties, said Matthew Gomez.

The thrilling match was finally decided by penalties. The first penalty was scored by NorCal's Lucca Bainotti. A well-placed goal gave NorCal the lead. Stjarnen quickly equalized with number 10, Isak Aron Vioisson. The final result was 6-7, and NorCal Premier PDP were crowned winners of this year's Gothia Cup.
– This feels like the biggest moment of my life. I have just won a tournament I could only dream of winning, said Matthew Gomez after the penalty shootout.

As a reward for his excellent goalkeeping, Matthew Gomez was honored with the Most Valuable Player award.
– I have never won an award like this before, and again - it feels surreal, concluded Matthew Gomez.

Stjarnan 1 - NorCal Premiere PDP
Gamla Ullevi
6-7 (0-0)