ARCHITECTURE_copa roma

After 15 weeks of training, preparations and work-outs, the Architecture Serie A Copa Roma was destined for closure. Following many hard fought games, there were only two remaining squads. The Pratt Institute School of Architecture and The Catholic University AC Allora stood alone atop the group standings. This day would determine the league champions and School of Architecture bragging rights for the next year.

The weather could not have been more spectacular. Sun glistened through the sky crashing down on the field, fans and players. The temperature held around the low 20s [Celsius people…this is Europe]. The field conditions were not perfect, but after a strenuous season, the quality of turf would not hold back these two teams.

The players quietly went through their pregame rituals, focusing on the task at hand. Pratt appeared organized and alert gunning for their first league championship. AC Allora began slightly out of sorts by arriving to the field without the emotional and logistical leaders of the squad, Coach and head cheerleader, Judy “Mama” Hallet and officially photographer and spiritual guru, Stanley “Gnoma” Hallet. Upon arriving to the field, 5 minutes after warm-ups began, a focus previously unseen befell the Alloras…they would not go down without a fight.

There would be no discussion of site models, urban analysis and sketchbooks this day. The players separated this game from the challenges of daily life determined to provide victory for their respective institutions. The teams went through final speeches from their coaches and captains and took the field. As Pratt won the toss, they elected to kick off heading north. A thunderous “ALLORA” erupted from the grouping of CUA players and they lined up in position. With a sound of the whistle, the championship was underway.

The teams battled hard. The sun beat down on the field, immediately draining the squads in runs from end to end. Quick passing led each team up the field on a quest for the first goal. AC Allora had several early opportunities quelled under the force of the Pratt defense and poor shooting. The Allora defense was equally as stifling allowing few shots to enter the box. The first serious threat came in the 28 minute when a shot from Pratt sailed just high of the Allora goal. A slow-motion replay showed that the shot was indeed high and no celebration would follow.

With injuries and other diversions, the Alloras found themselves entering this championship without substitutes. Pratt intelligently used its players in a fast-paced game in an attempt to strike early and wear out the understaffed Alloras. Each push forward from Pratt was shut down and a resulting push was made by the Allora mid-field and offense. The back of the goal would not be found in this first 45 minute half. The teams entered the lockerooms knotted 0 – 0.

After a halftime show, including fireworks and performances by Eros Ramazzotti and that kid with the accordion from Campo de Fiori at lunchtime, the teams reentered the playing field seeking the Copa Roma trophy and all of its laurels. AC Allora, still without substitutes, seemed just as determined for victory as they did in the first half. They paid tribute to their spiritual leader through a booming “GNOMA” chant.

The whistle sounded and play was underway. The teams continued their furiously intense level of play that was shown in the first half. Runs were made in both directions and were quickly halted by strong defenses and stellar play at the goalie position. Suddenly, a crack was found in the Pratt defense. AC Allora rattled a shot to the lower left post and the tie was broken.

Following the restart, Allora maintained intensity continuing to push forward and fire shots at the Pratt defense and keeper. As quickly as the half was started a second Allora goal found the back of the net. AC Allora quickly moved into a 2 – 0 lead. Pratt seemed disorganized…AC Allora was commanded by coach Hallet to maintain focus and intensity. There was still 30 minutes in the second half and given the high level of play, anything to happen.

Within 10 minutes, anything did happen. A miscommunication among Allora allowed a hard shot to be redirected just enough to sneak into the net. The game was now very close at 2 – 1. Pratt’s intensity was reborn and their energy was boosted. Mama Hallet continued her positive reinforcement encouraging communication amongst her squad and pushing for victory.

With 15 minutes remaining in the championship, Allora found the net one more time. Although exhausted, the team mounted a final push and was able to complete a strong offensive move with a third score. AC Allora led 3 – 1 at the 75^th minute of play.

Pratt knew that Allora was tired and without substitutes. They continued a high level of play, forcing Allora to make long, tiring runs in orders to properly contain the scoring attempts. Mama Hallet and the players continued to push the referee for time checks. 10 minutes remaining fell into 5 minutes left. Pratt’s offensive maneuvers did not stop. Allora, running on pure adrenaline, pushed back and fired several dangerous shots which, if made, would have finalized the winning result.

Following the clearing of a corner kick, the final whistle sounded, leaving AC Allora victorious 3 – 1 in the first Copa Roma. As the trophy was hoisted by Coach Hallet, expert photographer, Stanley Hallet, captured the screams of joy from the players. Amidst the cheers, the player dowsed each other with fine Proseco make sure to feature their jerseys for the press. Although jersey swapping is a normal tradition following a match of this caliber, it did not occur today. One of the AC Allora defenders stated “I would normally swap jerseys, but I cannot bear to give up my AC Allora team shirt…maybe next time…”

Congratulations AC Allora on an incredible season and first ever Copa Roma.