2004 Florida's Finest Fall Festival
| Game |
Opponent |
Score |
W/L |
| 1 |
Tampa Knights (Region C) | 0-1 |
L |
| 2 |
West Pines (Region A) | 1-3 |
L |
| 3 |
Hillsborough United (Region C) |
0-1 |
L |
4 |
St. Pete Raiders (Region C) |
2-1 |
W |
Click Here for the Overall Results of the Tournament.
Click Here for Tournament Photos
Summary
This was an excellent weekend of soccer for the Rampage. The St. Pete Raiders pulled together a collection of ten of the best U12 teams in Florida for a festival format tournament. We faced off against four fantastic clubs, all whom were final four teams from either region A or C. Although we struggled most of the tournament to hit the back of the net, we were competitive in every game, and certainly deserved better than a 1-3 record.
After three losses in a row, that didn't really feel like losses, the Rampage kept their spirit and decided to step up their attack in their final game against one of the top two teams in the tournament. The St. Pete Raiders not only led the tournament in total goals scored, but had only allowed one goal to be scored against them prior to our game. Our kids dug down deep and after already playing three tough games, found the energy and stamina to put together a great finish, knocking off St. Pete in a surprising 2-1 victory. The kids managed to allow only 6 goals all tournament. Only St. Pete, and Weston allowed fewer goals! Although St. Pete led the tournament in goals scored with 12, the Rampage were able to hold this excellent offense to only 1 goal, which was a remarkable accomplishment.
Although we only managed to hit the back of the net 3 times all weekend (James, Erik, and Mitch, assists to Andy and Jonathan) I wasn't unhappy with our attack. We had some tough calls against us on Saturday that certainly affected the outcomes of both of those games, and we were a bit unlucky at times. Certainly, the Rampage proved to that they are a worthy opponent for the best of the best in Florida. This weekend was an excellent opportunity for us to see where we stand, and I think made a respectable showing.
Our 2004 F4 Sportsman of the tournament is Connor C. Connor led our team's defense not only through his great effort on defense, but also through his communication on the field. Connor began to emerge as a leader for us in the back this weekend. Congratulations Connor, and to all 17 players that traveled with us to St. Pete!