The BUSC U12 Division III Black team took first place in the 2008 District Cup Championships last weekend, becoming the Al Caffodio Youth Soccer League District III champions.
The team was undefeated in match play with a 4-0 record, scoring a total of seven goals and recording four perfect shutout performances.
The Black team continued dominated their opponents both offensively and defensively. The attacking line consisting of Ben Smedley, Mason Picone, Bradley Pilkington and Brendan Gold provided constant pressure with well executed passes, strong crosses in front of the goal and great teamwork. The defensive line was flawless. Alex Lee, Matt Teng, Jack Geasa, Joshua Cole, and Chris Goldhawk were brilliant at receiving the opponents’ attacks up the middle and sending the ball out to the wings. The mid line accelerated the flow of attack with precision passing and some well executed overlapping runs, driving play deep into the opponents’ defensive zone. Jared Siegel, Brian Kinnee, Roberto Beard and Ryan Vicenio controlled the transition zone through aggressive play, being first to the ball and preventing the other teams from initiating much of an attack. Goalies Andrew Griehshammer and Sam Hansen were perfect allowing zero goals in four shutout matches. They both captained the back field, instructing their defensive line to shift and pick up open players in addition to meeting every “shot on goal” challenge rejecting every attempt.
The championship game with Newark Arsenal was a rematch of the only two undefeated Al Caffodio League teams (BUSC and Newark) a few months earlier in which Arsenal defeated the Black team to take first place in league play. The results were significantly different as BUSC dominated play from the first whistle. The score at final whistle was BUSC 2, Newark 0 with goals from Roberto Beard and Jared Siegel assisted by Brian Kinnee and Mason Picone. The team is now headed to the Association Cup in January to continue its championship performance.
Rage Rockettes take first place
The U14 Rage Rockettes took first place at the Season Sunset Tournament last weekend to end the season district championship playoff for enhanced recreational teams.
The team defeated the Mustang Avalanche 2-0 despite the thick fog and cold temperatures Saturday morning. Later that afternoon, Mikala Morgenroth scored three goals against the Fremont KAOS. The defense, led by Ali Gonsman and goalkeeper Marianne Fernandez, held off a comeback attempt by the KAOS to secure a 3-2 win.
Next, the Rockettes played the Livermore Blaze for a spot to play in the championship game. Both teams fought back and forth for the title, but in the end the Rockettes won a 4-2 victory and a spot in the championship match.
The championship game against the San Ramon Lightning was tough to beat with tall and fast players.
