2004 SuperClubs National Championships
| Game |
Opponent |
Score |
W/L |
| 1 |
Brampton East United, Ontario Canada | 0-5 |
L |
| 2 |
CJSO, Mississippi | 3-2 |
W |
| 3 |
Georgetown Rangers, Michigan |
2-3 |
L |
What an experience for our boys! After two months off from soccer, we started off the week at Disney's Wide World of Sports with some new players, some cob webs and a tremendous group of teams to compete against. We faced off in game one against an extremely athletic team from Ontario. It was clear from the onset that we weren't prepared. Our defense was disorganized and our intensity level was clearly at the summer vacation level. Despite losing 5-0 to an excellent team, I thought we were the stronger team (we've played better) and should have been able to get a result. We possessed the ball well for much of the game and had many opportunities, but Brampton was always quick to counter and capitalized on the chances they had. Camp found himself in the goal in seven or eight 1v1 situations that should have never happened. We chalked this one up to wake up call and our warmup...
In game two we faced off against CJSO, the Mississippi state champions, and another very athletic team. Although we still struggled at times, we started to come together in this one. Having gone goal-less in game one, we managed to put a few on the scoreboard this time. CJSO went up early, but we struck back a few minutes later when Devin fed Mitchell on a nice through pass. A bit later Mitchell returned the favor and Devin headed one in to give us a brief lead. With only a minute to go, tied 2-2, Mitchell got himself free at the top of the box and put away an exciting game winner. Our defense played very strong. Connor, Andy, Jonathan, KT, Chase, Madeline, AB, and Devin all did a great job in the back. Camp and Ian both played heads up games in the goal as well.
Game 3 was by far our best performance. Considered the top team in Michigan, the Georgetown Rangers were a phenomenal group of players, with excellent individual skills and a well organized attack. The Rampage were intense from the first touch on the ball. Within seconds of the kick off we had an early chance to score. But Georgetown countered and got up 1-0 in the second minute. But the Rampage neve let up. Georgetown held the edge throughout the game, but we made them work hard for their 3-2 victory. Erik scored his first Rampage goal for us off a cross from Mitch, and Tyler nailed an exciting goal off 30 yard free kick. Although we lost, it was clear the Rampage were coming to form. It was a respectable performance and assured me that 2004-05 is going to be a great year.
Each tournament we name a sportsman of the tournament. This time we have quite a few. Our defense went from poor at best in game 1 to outstanding in game 3. So the honor goes to all of our players that put in significant minutes in the back. Congratulations Connor, TJ, Andy, Madeline, Chase, KT, Jonathan, Tyler, and Camp. And congratulations to all 16 players that traveled with us to Disney for a great tournament!