St. Petersburg, Florida's HRC Kickers defeated New York Greek American 2-1 in extra time

to win the U.S. Open Cup title, and they got help from a very unexpected source. After

playing the first half to a 0-0 draw, the Kickers took an early lead in the second half,

when Garth Pollonias scored in the 47th minute from a free kick. HRC held the lead

until the 80th minute, when John Lingos connected with a header to tie the game at 1-1.

With three minutes remaining in extra time, Kickers coach Steve Gogas put Gordon

Singleton into the game. Singleton had knee surgery just three weeks before, and even

spent a week in the hospital because a blood clot formed in his knee. Gorgas put Singleton

in for the looming penalty kick session, but Singleton had other ideas. With just seconds

remaining, Singleton took a pass from Kevin Dixon, and drew goalkeeper Dragan Radovich

off his line, allowing Singleton to place a shot just to his left and into the net.

7/8/89  St. Louis Soccer Park - St. Louis, Missouri

HRC Kickers 2-1(aet) New York Greek American

(HRC – Garth Pollonais 47’, Gordon Singleton 120’; NYGA – John Lingos 80’)