Sports
Hollywood United on Verge of Soccer Title
The Hitmen will play for the National Premier Soccer League crown Saturday.
Even the finest screenwriters in Hollywood would have a hard time scripting a story as compelling as journey of the Hollywood United Hitmen in their inaugural season in the National Premier Soccer League.
After two seasons in the United Soccer League's Premier Development League, the team moved to the NPSL this spring, won the West Region, and is now one win away from its first national championship.
The Hitmen blanked the Midwest Region champion Milwaukee Bavarians 3-0 Thursday night in Madison, Alabama, in the semifinals of the NPSL tournament and will play Jacksonville United for the league championship Saturday night at the Madison City Schools Stadium.
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Jacksonville United (7-4-0) twice overcame one-goal deficits to rally past the Erie Admirals 4-2 in Thursday's second semifinal.
Against Milwaukee, midfielder Emmanuel Bentil opened the scoring in the 48th minute and former Chivas USA winger Brent Whitfield tacked on insurance goals in the 67th and 88th minutes for Hollywood United (14-2-1), which nearly went into halftime leading 2-0.
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Former Loyola Marymount University midfielder Nick Blanco misfired from close range and Bentil hit the crossbar, keeping the score 0-0 after the opening 45 minutes. Shortly after Bentil's tally gave Hollywood United the lead, goalkeeper Raul Calderon preserved it with a diving save. In 17 games, the Hitmen have netted 60 goals and allowed 15.
Hollywood United is looking to become the third straight California side to take the league title, following the Sonoma County Sol in 2009 and the Sacramento Gold last year.
The Hitmen were formed in 2009 and were the Southwest Division champions in their first PDL season. They finished in second place last season before falling to the Portland Timbers in the playoffs.
The Hitmen are coached by Jose Botello, a former striker for the Los Angeles Galaxy and Inter Tijuana of Mexico. Their roster includes team captain Rene Corona, who played for Chivas USA, and former Cal State Northridge standouts Oscar Sims and Edwin Miranda.
