2003 Ormond Beach Challenge

It was a cold, but excellent weekend of soccer at Ormond Beach. We were delt a tough hand in the seatings having to face off against Clearwater, Tallahassee and Brevard. Quite a group! Clearwater and Tallahassee are the obvious favorites to win Regions, C and D, respectively, in 2003 Region Cup play, and Brevard (not to mention Gainesville!) will certainly be a strong contender in Region B Cup. So this was a great warmup for next weekend when we travel again for the Region Cup knock out rounds.

In our first game, with temperatures in the upper 30s, we clashed with the apparent favorite in the tournament. Clearwater was a big, fast, and very skilled team, certainly one of the best U10 teams in FL. But our boys gave them a run for their money. Although Clearwater certainly had the edge on possession and time in their attacking half, our boys played an awesome game of defense and created some dangerous opportunities, but couldn't get good shots off. At half time, the score was 1-0 and it appeared our boys had a chance. We needed a mid field and some attack.

In the second half, Clearwater picked up their intensity and got our boys on their heals for a while, but Andy, Emilio, Taylor, and Connor continued to put on a great defensive clinic. We had a difficult time keeping the ball in our half but penetrated frequently and put together a lot of nice combination passes. Around 35 minutes into the game, Clearwater cracked a rocket into the net and went up on us 2-0. Having only managed 3 shots on goal all game, it was a deep hole for us to dig out of. Our boys never let down and gave us one of their best performances of the year. Clearwater walked away a 3-0 winner, but with a new respect for our humble group of boys. (Clearwater went on to defeat Brevard 6-0, Tallahassee 6-1, but in the Championship they were upset by the Hollywood Wildcats 3-2.) Trevor gave us an excellent effort in the goal with 15 saves on the day. Our only shots came from Mitchell, TJ, and Connor, who each had one a piece--not our greatest attacking game..., but none the less, a well played game against a super talented opponent.

In game two we faced off against an excellent team from Tallahassee United (TUS). Our pregame warmup was, frankly, sloppy, with a lot of fooling around. Unfortunately, our lack of focus resulted in some sloppy play as we took the field. Within the first two minutes, TUS went up on us 1-0. As the game progressed, our boys gained focus. But mistakes continued and TUS went up 2-0. It was frustrating to watch from the sideline. Our boys were clearly a match for Tallahassee, but in between excellent hard work and teamwork, we had lapses of concentration. Our attacking game was going well, we had a number of excellent early opportunities but weren't able to capitalize because of some great saves by the TUS goalie. But finally Mitch got us on the score board with a well placed ball in the upper right corner of the goal. Just before half time, Mitch managed to get a second. At half time, with the score 2-2, it appeared we had the upper hand.

But in the second half, again because of small mistakes, Tallahassee jumped up on us 3-2. TJ responded quickly, dishing off a nice pass to Cameron who fired in a well placed shot in the 30th minute to pull us even again. Our play was looking good. In general, we controlled the ball well, passed well, made good runs, played agressive defense. But, Tallahassee was beating us to a lot of balls, and our defense got unbalanced now and then. Tallahassee managed to get two more goals in the final ten minutes giving them a 5-3 victory. Although, Tallahassee walked away with a victory, our boys played a generally excellent game out shooting TUS 17 to 8. Mitchell led the team with six shots, Cameron had four, TJ three, Andy two (from center D), and Dallas and Landon each came close to scoring on well struck balls. Trevor and Dallas both gave us good efforts in the goal with five and three saves on the day, respectively. This was one of those games that we could have (should have?) won. Tallahassee certainly recognized the competition and will be getting in touch with us in the future to arrange some friendlies or other matches. So we'll get another chance at these guys.

Game three against Brevard United was another cold one. Brevard was an opportunistic team with an excellent goalie and a very talented left wing. Our boys came out strong in the first half. Despite fighting a strong wind, our boys dominated possession and kept the ball in Brevard's half for better than 55% of the match. Mitchell got us on the score board early off a nice assist from Cam, giving him his 20th goal in our 20th game (congratulations, Mitch). But Brevard came back a few minutes later capitalizing on one of only three shots that they managed to get off in the first half. At half time, with the score 1-1 and a second half with the wind in our favor, we had the edge. The boys came out on fire and moved the ball around well. We completely dominated this half of play keeping the ball in Brevard's half about 70% of the time and maintaining good possession. Cameron got us up 2-1 and it felt like we'd get another soon, but Brevard turned things around on a break away and tied things 2-2. That would be the last goal. Although we played an excellent game, outshooting Brevard 14 to 5, Brevard made the most of their opportunities. Mitch led the team with five shots, Cameron and Landon each had two, and Trevor, Bryce, and Craig each has one each. Once again we had some great defensive play from Emilio, Connor, Taylor and Andy. And Trevor and Dallas posted 2 and 1 goalie save each.

So we ended this tournament 0-2-1 (identical to our record at the Blackwatch tournament), but left the field a much better team. In this case we had the opportunity to play two teams that certainly are the favorites to win their Region Cup Championships (Clearwater (C) and Tallahasee (D)). At Blackwatch we had the opportunity to play against Weston, the favorite to win Region A. So we're now poised to enter our own Region Cup tournament (B), with a full understanding of the level of play required to do well. We'll have to make better use of our opportunities and maintain our focus through a full weekend.

One year ago, following the the Ormond Beach tournament, we began a tradition where after each tournament we select a Sportsman of the Game for outstanding sportsmanship and other qualities that define our team. This tournament the award goes to Andy A (an award long over due) for his unselfish play and leadership. Congratulations, Andy, and to all 12 players that travelled to Ormond with us for a tough, but fun, tournament.

[Back to Results]