2004 Treasure Coast Challenge
February 14-15, 2004

This tournament was a great test of our boys' character and stamina. We traveled to this one with only 12 players, and played up an age group in the U12 National Division. Our first game was against a physically bigger and stronger developmental team from Mako. It took us a bit to get a rhythm, but once the boys got their passing game going the took control of this one and won it easily in a 9-1 run away. Six different players got on the score board in this one with Mitch getting a hatrick in the first 20 minutes of the game, followed by Danny with two goals and an assist, and TJ, Connor, AB, and Tyler added goals as well. Mako managed to get only one shot on goal, but they made it count.

In game two we faced of against an excellent U12 Jensen Beach competitive team that has some excellent physical talent. We had a very difficult time getting past their defense getting off only 11 shots all game. Mitch got us on the score board in the first half with a scrappy goal. But that wasn't enough to feel confident going in to the second half. The boys possessed the ball extremely well in the first half and played great defense allowing Jensen Beach only four shots on goal, but they were clearly a physically superior team. In the second half it was a great head to head battle. Trace, Connor, Taylor, and TJ played awesome defense, but Jensen Beach eventually slipped one by and tied the game with less than 4 minutes to go. It was a bit stunning to be tied after holding the lead for more than 30 minutes, but the Rampage kept their poise. Within a minute or two, Camp launched a giant ball from the goal, which Mitch was able to pickup near the top of the 18, finishing with a game winner. It was a great 2-1 win against two very different but well matched teams.

Game three was a weird one.The Jupiter Sting were a phenomenally athletic team having out scored their prior two opponents by a combined score of 26-0. They were a savvy U12 team that plays up at U13 in the Brevard League. From the early go, it was clear that several of their players were too much for us to handle--it was an obvious mismatch, but the Rampage made a great attempt to make it a game. Through most of the first half and into the early part of the second half, the Rampage had the edge on possession and kept the ball in Jupiter's half 60% or so of the game. But Jupiter had some exceptional talent up front that couldn't be stopped. We lost this one 7-0, our worst loss since August 2002. But much of the game the boys played beautiful, hard fought soccer and in fact allowed Jupiter only 12 shots on goal. At the other end we moved the ball around well, but struggled to get off quality shots, launching only 7 of our own. It was a bizarre game, but despite the hammering, the boys walked off the field knowing they had all played well. I was very proud of them, their discipline, and their stamina. By the end of the game, with our only sub injured, the boys kept playing with great heart. Although a 7-0 loss sounds pretty lop sided, the Rampage played a fantastic game.

Each tournament we name a sportsman of the tournament. It was difficult at this one because all 12 players gave us a great effort and played with a lot of class. Everyone deserved the award. But this time the award went to Mitchell who gave us a great pair of games on Saturday, knocking in five goals and giving us two assists. He's also been a real leader for our team this entire season through his hard work at practice as well as off the field. Congratulations, Mitchell and to all 12 players that traveled to Port St. Lucie with us for a great trio of games.

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