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The Pride Predators ’94 Boys Team Are Celtic Cup Champs!!

 

The Predator ’94 boy’s team, like many competitive soccer teams from Colorado when traveling to a Premier level Cal-South tournaments, entered the Celtic Cup with expectations and team goals revolving around “showing well,” as a result of reaching maximum performance levels as individual players and as a team. To be competitive in the kind of environment the Celtic Cup offers, means limiting mistakes to a bare minimum. The necessity of limiting mistakes is always a lesson learned rather quickly in these types of tournaments in which each and every team in the top flight can score goals, and each team has the ability to score many goals quickly. Teams typically do not have the luxury of coming out flat or starting slow in these types of tournament matches. “Being on,” and getting off to an aggressive and fast start, is typically the difference makers in every match.

 

The tournament setup was strange to say the least. The Celtic Cup incorporated a version of the World Cup scoring method, with 3 points awarded for a win, one point for a tie, and zero points for a loss. However, in the case of a tie-breaker between teams in the same bracket, or teams from different brackets competing for a play-off spot, the first tie-breaker was total goals scored in the tournament. This method later became a point of controversy and ultimately became very important for the Predators ’94 Boys. Rather then playing semifinal matches (the Predators ’94 Boys had earned the Wild Card spot), the Celtic Cup created a format in which eight teams made the quarterfinals (all of the three bracket winners, the second team from each bracket, plus two third place teams-based on most goals scored in the pool round). The tournament re-cap is as follows…

 

Match 1: Predators vs. Necaxa USA (Cal-S)

Necaxa USA proved to be a very formable opponent, but ultimately was an ideal first game match-up for the Predators ’94 Boys. While Necaxa USA possessed very technical players on the field, not to mention their lineup included one of the largest U14 boys goal keepers in the country (roughly 6’3”), their team speed, defensively, simply could not recover quickly enough to defend the Predators ’94 attack. The Predator attackers kept their shots low and hard and after a few missed early opportunities, were finally able to beat the Necaxa USA goal keeper about 13 minutes into the match. The first goal, as it so often can be, turned out to be an immediate confidence booster for the boys and a wonderful ice-breaker for the goal scoring that would soon ensue in the first half. Four additional goals, all of which were the result of excellent team attacking and finding the open player, followed in the first half from the boys. Defensively, the boys simply out hustled their opponent and remained organized throughout the entire match. The boys executed to perfection the concept of, “be the first in the attacking third and be the first in the defensive third.” However, Necaxa USA did find the back of the net just before halftime. Ultimately, a fantastic, yet surprising, start to the Celtic Cup. The pace and the tone for the tournament had been set, and the boys entered the second match brimming with confidence and vigor.

Final Score: Predators-7 and Necaxa USA-1.

 

Game 2: Predators vs. N.V.S.C. Cruz Azul (Cal-S)

N.V.S.C. Cruz Azul, competitors in the extremely competitive Coastal League’s top division for U14 Boys in Southern California, were just coming off a hard fought 0-1 loss from earlier in the day, and were hungry to redeem themselves and their tournament standings as soon as possible. The Predators ’94 played well in the first half, but did not quite have the finishing touch that was prevalent in their first match of the day. Possession and opportunities were split down the middle going into halftime. Three minutes into the second half, the boys found themselves behind 0-1 caused by a defensive mishap and N.V.S.C. Cruz Azul’s ability to instantly capitalize when given such an opportunity. But, the Predator ’94 Boys showed their true grit and resolve, and after a tactical adjustment was made midway through the second half, the Predators ’94 were able to level the score, rewarding the exceptional work ethic of the team and the extraordinary second effort by all. Rather then adjusting back to the team’s primary formation, the decision was made to go for the win since momentum and confidence where now on the Predators ’94 side. Shortly there after, with only a couple minutes to spare, the boys tucked away a second goal which would prove to be the game winner. The second half was a true thriller and an adrenaline rush till the final whistle blew. Floating on air, the team returned to the hotel, eager for dinner.

Final Score: Predators ’94-2 and N.V.S.C. Cruz Azul-1

 

Game 3: Predators ’94 vs. Nott Forest Red (Cal-S)

The match started with the Predators ’94 being the aggressors and ultimately scoring first. The goal came about 15 minutes into the first half as a result of a dead ball played beautifully into the box from 35 yards out, near the team sideline, which was attacked out of the air by the Predators ’94. However, as with all top Cal-South teams, Notts Forest was eager, ready, and willing, to pounce on mistakes. Late in the first half, Notts was able to level the score on a ball served into the box. At halftime, the score was knotted at 1-1. The second half began, and only 2 minutes in, Notts Forest had found the back of the net again! Down 1-2, and needing the tide of the game to change, especially when considering goals scored is the deciding factor for play-off game seeding, the Predators ’94 made another tactical change. Unfortunately, this change did not produce the desired effect. A mistake filled 2nd half, coupled with a very high quality Notts Forest side, who quickly became the aggressors, resulted in the Predators ’94 Boys first loss in the tournament. Notts Forest Red actually tied the Predators ‘94 first opponent (Necaxa USA) 1-1 earlier in the tournament. Hopefully, this provides some prospective on the quality of Necaxa USA, and the importance of a team consistently performing at their highest level in every tournament match. To have a poor game, can easily mean your demise in the tournament, as each and every opponent is of the highest caliber.

Final Score: Predators ’94-1 and Notts Forest Red-4

 

Game 4: Quarterfinal - Predators ’94 vs. Central California Aztecs (Cal-S)

The Predators ’94, due to total goals, had earned the only Wild Card spot for the semifinals. However, due to the change in the tournament format to a Quarterfinal system, where from the four Quarterfinal winners, the two teams with the most goals scored in the tournament advance to the finals, the Predators ’94 found themselves in a seeding position in which they were scheduled to play the Central California Aztecs. Based on team resumes and the various national youth soccer ranking systems, the Central California Aztecs were among the strongest teams in the tournament. They are currently ranked #4 in Cal-South, #5 in Region IV, and #8 nationally. To make the task at hand seem even more daunting, the Central California Aztecs did not play a morning match as was required of the Predators ’94. So, even though the Predators ’94 were the highest seeded second place team, due to the new format, the boys had to play a game against a fresh team, as opposed to all other quarterfinalist games which consisted of two teams playing their second match of the day. The match was tight and physical all the way. Both teams were well aware of the stakes…an opportunity to play for the Celtic Cup Championship. Due to the disadvantage of playing a fresh team, the Predators ’94 resorted to a 5-3-2 formation to begin the match. Very quickly in the first half, it became evident that the boys would certainly earn chances on goal. In fact, when the whistle was blown for halftime, the Predators ’94 had the majority of better opportunities on goal, though the game remained scoreless.

 

Again, as had happened in the two earlier matches, the Predators ’94 found themselves down 0-1 early in the second half. At that point, the story could have ended, as the boys found themselves neck deep in the deadliest kind of quicksand, as they were playing not only a fantastic Cal-South team, but one that is less fatigued to boot. Down 0-1, with 25 minutes remaining, it would have been easy for most teams to thrown in the towel. But not these boys…not this time. The Predators ’94 rebounded slowly but surely, gradually gaining confidence from the surging amount of opportunities on goal and their quality play. With time running out, the change was made to move more players forward with the emphasis on pressuring the opponent in their own defensive third to create more second and third chances/opportunities on goal. Finally, with roughly five minutes remaining and the score still 0-1 in the Central California Aztec’s favor; the Predators ’94 broke through and leveled the score to reward the excellent team pressure and brilliant individual technical ability of key players who refused to go home without laying it all out on the field. When the final regulation whistle blew, all that was left was the dreaded Penalty Kicks from the spot. The Predators ’94 goal keeper, Kyle Beerman, proved once again why he is considered one of the best from Colorado, as he made two incredible saves on the first two Aztec penalty shooters. Now all that needed to be done was for the Predator ’94 shooters to put the Aztecs to rest. Jake Martinez, Joe Morales, Ian Parker, and Tyler Longbons responded to the challenge, and the Predators ’94 won 4-3 in Penalty Shootout.

 

As was mentioned previously, the tournament format was strange. No semifinals! From the four quarterfinal winners, the two teams that had tallied the most goals in the tournament, advanced to the Celtic Cup Championship. The Predators ’94 Boy’s lopsided win in game 1 was crucial, as it played a large role in securing a spot for the boys in the final!

 

Game 5: Final-Predators ’94 vs. Fram CQ (Cal-S)

What can the said about the Predators ’94 Boys? As everyone knows, being crowned “Champions” for a top tournament requires skill, chemistry, fitness, heart, and a bit of good fortune. Well, the Predators ‘94 started hot right out of the gate...which as discussed previously, always enhances a teams odds for success. A.J. Johnson, about 14 minutes into the first half, with a great second effort and a load of commitment, pressured a ball played back to the Fram CQ goal keeper. What was initially a routine ball played back to a goal keeper, quickly became Fram CQ’s worst nightmare, as A.J., the viper on the field that he is, got to the pass before the goal keeper realized what was about to happen, and sliding through the ball, A.J. was able to put the ball in the back of the net. Predators ’94 lead 1-0. This match was physical! Fram CQ possessed a large, powerful striker with loads of speed and a passion for aggressive play. And, behind him, in the central midfield, was a tough-as-nails midfielder who was as big and powerful as he was crafty when on the ball. The Predators defense, the team maintained a 5-3-2 formation throughout the match, was anchored by the superb play of Mark Dotseth, Nathan Rubio, Ryan Wehner, Joe Morales, and Taylor Badeau. These five players, most of whom played the entire match, incorporated such chemistry and depicted such mastery in regards to their defensive organization, even the best and brightest in European Club soccer would marvel if present at the match. Time, and time again, they were able to stifle the powerful Fram CQ attack. Both teams battled the entire half, with Fram CQ actually having in their favor the number of better chances, though unable to convert.

 

Again, the goal scoring started early to begin the second half, only in this game, the Predators ’94 fans were the ones cheering from the sidelines. Only five minutes in, A.J. Johnson was able to find another gear and keep the ball alive in Fram CQ’s defensive end. As a result of A.J.’s willingness and quickness to pressure a Fram CQ’s defender in possession of the ball, albeit a short time with the ball, A.J. kept the attack alive and the ball found it’s way to Connor Stout, who, with a first time serve, sent a beautiful ball to Danny Child’s head just on top of the six yard box. Danny executed his role to perfection, as he headed the ball down and into the back of the net. Now down 0-2, Fram CQ responded like a champion and put forth maximum effort. They finally broke through with fifteen minutes left to play to make the score 2-1. After that, a tired Predators ‘94 team hung on. Numerous players stepped up and met the challenge to clear balls or slow down the attack. Ryan, Mark, Joe, Nathan, and Danny kept the Predators in the game and the ball out of our net. Kyle Beerman, hero of the Quarterfinal match, once again rose to the occasion with steadfast hands and perfect positioning, ending any Fram CQ hopes of scoring the equalizing goal. The Predators did have a couple of chances to put the game away with a late goal, with a shot deflecting off the post, and a second charge with numbers was halted to give a red card to a Fram CQ player behind the play. Fram CQ kept the pressure on and held the ball in the attacking third for the last few minutes. Fortunately, they never got a quality shot on goal, and Pride brought home the championship.