Four semi-finalists set in Virginia

Holders Team Pugg bow out in the quarters on a thrilling day at the NASSC.

VB Alliance, Gobeachsoccer, Great Lakes and FC Barcelona will contest the North American Sand Soccer Championships U.S. Open semi-finals on Sunday after victories on day two.  

Gobeachsoccer claimed the first quarter-final of the day after finishing second in Group B, as they proved too strong for fellow Californians NorCal BSC in a 7-3 win.  

FC Barcelona were next up, as they took on defending champions Team Pugg.  

Led by FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup-winning coach Alexandre Soares, Pugg initially matched Barca stride for stride but the 2015 winners eventually won out 9-4, with goalkeeper Dona scoring twice.  

Great Lakes – runners-up in Group A – ensured they will take on the famous Catalan club as they overcame HRSC Elite 5-4 while VB Alliance sprung an upset by inflicting a first defeat on Team Canada.  

Alliance were wildcard entrants for the quarters, having finished third in Group C, but took Team Canada to extra time before grabbing the golden goal with 30 seconds of the fourth period played.  

Saturday results 

08:00 – HRSC Elite 6-7 NorCal BSC

09:10 – PA Azzurri 3-8 VB Alliance BSC

10:20 – FC Barcelona 5-2 Gobeachsoccer

11:30 – Maryzilians 6-7 Tidewater Captains

12:40 – Team Pugg 4-5 Team Canada

13:50 – Great Lakes BSC 4-2 New England FC

15:00 – NorCal BSC 3-7 Gobeachsoccer (Quarter-final)

16:10 – FC Barcelona 9-4 Team Pugg (Quarter-final)

17:20 – Great Lakes BSC 5-4 HRSC Elite (Quarter-final)

18:30 – Team Canada 4-5 VB Alliance BSC (Quarter-final)

19:40 – PA Azzurri 6-4 Tidewater Captains (Consolation match)

20:50 – Maryzilians 5-6 New England FC (Consolation match)

Sunday fixtures  

08:00 – VB Alliance v Gobeachsoccer (semi-final)

09:10 –  Great Lakes v FC Barcelona (semi-final)

12:00 – Third-place play-off

14:30 – Final