2004 SouthEastern Invitational-Champions
March 6-7, 2004

It was a beautiful weekend for soccer in Tallahassee. We knew it would be a tough event with a bunch of excellent teams including the region D powerhouse, TUFC, and Lakeview, arguably the top team in LA. The boys had worked very hard this year for a shot at a tournament championship having played up an age group at their last three tournaments. Since early December, while some teams had taken time off, the Rampage had 20+ practices, 31 3v3 matches, six tournament games at two U12 events, one scrimmage against our U13 boys, a 3 day Coerver camp, and soccer jamboree. So they had worked hard, were as prepared as they could be, and deserved a result at this one.

Game one against Bay United was a bit of a mismatch and we had to lasso the boys in a bit to keep it from being more lop sided than it was. Although it was a solid 8-0 win, it wasn't our most beautiful soccer. But there were some nice highlights, including a first half hatrick from Camp and several other beautiful goals by Landon, Tyler, and Trace. This game was a warm up for what would be three very tough games to follow.

Tallahassee United was a strong team with some excellent speed in the back and good legs up front. Unfortunately, I knew from the lack of focus during warm up that we would struggle in the early minutes. After having gone through the last tournaments with such focus and consistency, the Rampage had lost their edge a bit. It was clear early on that their poor warm up carried over to the game. TUFC out hustled us, won more balls in the middle and threatened a number of times, until finally they went up on us due to an own-goal. We had our chances at the other end, but simply couldn't finish the job. In the second half, the boys regained their composure a bit and played more like the team I was expecting to see. Danny, and our defense were very solid. However, on the other end of the field we incredibly unlucky... it seemed like nothing would go in. The boys had a strong edge on possession and shots on goal this half, but everything either went wide, high, or into goalie's hands. For what ever reason, this one wasn't meant to be. TUFC walked away the victors and the Rampage walked away with a wakeup call and an even bigger challenge ahead of them.

In game three the Rampage faced off against Lakeview, arguably the top team in Louisiana. This was a very quick, skilled team with some solid defenders. Lakeview had played TUFC on a few prior occasions and came away the winners each time. So we knew it would be a tough one. But the Rampage had a much more focussed warm up and several of the boys stepped up and showed some great maturity and leadership. TJ, James, Mitchell, and Taylor in particular spoke up and got the team focussed. This one looked like it would be a Rampage game from the very beginning. An early near miss by Landon, got the team rolling. And shortly thereafter Mitch knocked in his first of two goals, which would give the team a 2-1 win over a very formidable opponent. Our defense was absolutely awesome. TJ, Trace, Connor, Andy, Trevor, Taylor, and Landon, all played rock solid in the back. And the boys did an excellent job of possessing the ball and creating opportunities. It was an excellent win for the Rampage.

But the battle wasn't over. The boys needed a win over the Destin Wave to help get them the title of champion, given a bit of help from TUFC and Lakeview who were facing off in another game nearby. Destin had tied TUFC and lost in a close 3-2 game against Lakeview, so we knew it wouldn't be easy. Although it was a physical battle, the boys managed the Wave extremely well in the first half, getting us up early off of scrappy goals by Landon and Andy. Our defense was amazing in the first half allowing Wave only three shots. But we had a half-time episode again of goofiness and lost focus. The second half was another story. We let down our guard early and shortly into the half Wave scored one, and then another. With the game tied and only 8 minutes to go, it looked like the championship might slip away. But somehow, with the clock ticking down, Mitch came through with a game winner. The boys certainly didn't help my blood pressure much in this one. With a 0-0 tie/gift from our friends from Lakeview and TUFC, a 3-2 win against the Wave gave the Rampage their first, and well deserved, tournament championship! In fact, this was the first ever championship for any GSA boys team! Congratulations, Rampage. You earned it.

Each tournament we name a Sportsman of the Tournament. This time the award goes to TJ and Trace who both led by example on the field, in TJ's case through his strong vocal leadership, and in Trace's case his quiet focus and selfless play. Congratulations to both of you for your quality of play and attitude, and to all fifteen players who traveled with us to the Inaugural SouthEastern Invitational!

The boys voted to dedicate this tournament to their great friend and team mate, Cameron T., who recently moved to England. We miss you, Cameron and wish you well. This one's for you. You earned it too.

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