The SOCA U12 Boys Apprentice team went 2-1 at the Spring 2019 pre-season tournament this past weekend. It was cold, wet, and muddy out at Striker Park in Richmond. The boys improved their play as the games progressed.
They eeked out a win with a late Ilias goal in game one v the Richmond Kickers Elite Black, 3-2. Henry L. and Spencer rounded out the scoring, with some excellent goalkeeping from Anders.
Then, they had a rematch with the tough eastern Pennsylvania team, Yardley-Makefield, to decide who would go to the semi-finals. They came up short again and lost 3-1, despite having the early lead with a Gavin goal. Yardley-Makefield went on to win in the Finals and only had three goals scored on them the entire tournament. Looking back, SOCA missed on a couple good chances and Yardley scored on an amazing free kick from distance.
The final, consolation match was against FC Richmond Magic, who SOCA U12BX defeated earlier in Fall CCL league play, 1-0. This one was exciting and finished 3-2 on Michael’s game winner from a tight angle at close range. SOCA scoring opened on a Connor goal from a Matthew assist on a nice through ball. But SOCA went down 2-1 in the second half before they tied it on a Leonidas header from a James’ corner. Anders kept this close throughout and the boys went home on a high note.