November 25, 2007--South Florida Elite’s U-14 Boys were champions in the Gold Division at this weekend’s Plantation Thanksgiving Tournament. Gold is the elite division at the tournament.
SFE’s boys began the tournament with a 1-0 win over the Stuart Breakers. Goal keeper John Mauro was superb in the net, turning away shot after shot from the Breakers strikers. Defender Roberto Mar was outstanding in stifling the Breakers’ attack. SFE then took on 20th ranked (Soccer in College) West Pines Black in the second day of competition. West Pines was coming off a confidence-building victory over # 2 ranked Ohio Premier at the CASL Raleigh Shootout. SFE controlled play from the outset of the match. By halftime, SFE had a commanding 2-0 lead on goals by, among others, Arnold Hidalgo, and knocked in 2 more insurance goals for a 4-0 victory. SFE closed out the preliminary rounds against the Orange County Strikers. Orange County took early command of the game on a shot by their midfielder in the first 5 minutes of play. SFE’s defenders Giovanni Freitas, Sergio San Giogio, Lee Herrera, and Adam McIntosh tightened the reins on Orange County to keep the score 1-0 at halftime. SFE’s offense exploded for 4 goals in the second half. Striker Fabian Bastidas broke the shutout on a penetrating through ball from midfielder Eric Contreras. Bastidas continued the barrage, scoring SFE’s 3 remaining goals for his hat trick. Bastidas’ skills were on full display on the final goal. He received a ball on his chest at the top of the Strikers box. With the ball seemingly attached to his feet, Bastidas dribbled by 2 defenders, juggled the ball over the outstretched goalkeeper, and blasted home the shot as he fell to the ground. SFE advanced to the final with a 4-1 win.
The finals against Cape Coral was SFE’s toughest match of the tournament. Cape Coral scored the opening goal midway through the first half for a one nil lead. Despite SFE’s dominant ball possession , the Cape Coral defense shut down SFE’s strikers behind brilliant goaltending. However, the constant SFE pressure generated through midfielders Jamar Lewis and Jason McIntosh proved to be too much. Ultimately, SFE right winger William Suedois knocked home the equalizer with 2 minutes remaining in regulation on a pass from Lewis. SFE took the lead in the first overtime period on a beautiful strike by Bastidas that found the left corner of the Cape Coral net. The goal sealed SFE’s championship victory.
Congratulations to our players, we are proud of you. Many thanks to Coach Charlie Freitas for guiding our boys. Many thanks to team manager Carmen Contreras and to Carolina Freitas. Many thanks to club members, Giordan Freitas, Mackenzie Marsh, Kevin Burbano, Troy Manheim, and Alexander Marsh for help to provide water to our thirsty warriors. Many thanks to Sasa Macko and Vladimir Macko, who attended every game (even the early morning and late night night ones). Many thanks to the parents who prioritized our boys’ participation in the tournament during the Thanksgiving holiday, and who were present to show their support, even if their children were not playing in the tournament. The unconditional support that the team received from Club members, particularly those who had no children on the field, was truly appreciated by the U-14 boys and the Club.
