June 18th 2010, we departed in our two trusty 12 seater vans, and a couple of us by plane for Albuquerque. For those going via road, they saw the beautiful hues of the deserts and landscapes of California, Arizona and New Mexico, mountains, rock formations, drove along and stopped at gas stops on the Historic Route 66 and witnessed some classic Americana, drove by old missions, a volcano, a meteor crator, dinosaur bones, Indian Reservations, stayed in beautiful Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon (you should have seen their faces and heard their comments), teepees, numerous native jewelery and pottery highway road side stalls, and drove over the Rio Grande every day. Rick took lots of pictures. He said he will be posting them.
The boys were well behaved and the hotel staff, other guests and the girls team parents (U15s from Washington), all commented on how respectful, polite and quiet they were (yes I'm talking about our boys, I told you the altitude will effect them!).
On sunday the boys experienced their first taste of altitude (Albuquerque is approx 5,200 feet, but the Soccer Complex in Bernalillo is at 6,000 feet), at our first light training session, after the first lap run at 70% they came back winded and feeling ". . . wierd dude . . ." For the first two games we had 12 players available and played well in both, winning and drawing respectively. The efforts and emotion expanded in the first two games, left us spent in the third game, and we were made to pay against a good opponent. But we advanced out of the group of death, or as other teams refered to us ". . . the California Group . . ." In the quarterfinal we had our full complement of 14 players, and beat another So Cal team, playing really well. In the Semi final playing against Washington Crossfire, we played our best game and were totally controlling the game, but were unable to kill the game off despite numerous good chances. We led 1-0 with seven minutes to go when Crossfire scored a fortunate goal, which sent us into twenty minutes of overtime and ultimately into pks, which we lost 7-6. Based on our play the boys did not deserve to lose, but I give credit to Crossfire who stuck to their guns and never gave up, and their goalkeeper came up trumps for them during the game and in pks. Although greatly disappointed at the end result, with Alec and Josh available, and possible new additions to the team I am really optimistic and excited about our prospects. The boys took this seriously, they rested, ate well and were religious about their fluid in take. They faced lots of adversity and showed lots of character and determination.
On the non playing side of this team, I have to praise Lisa and Carrie for taking care of the boys so well. Everyday wearing industrial quality rubber gloves and with noses pinched they collected all the uniforms (shirts, shorts and socks), and warm-up shirts from the boys, and washed them, so before every game, everyone had a clean uniform. As I was turning in every night, they were heading to the one laundry room in the hotel, often finishing the wash at 1:00am. They also made numerous Costco runs, bringing in supplies to sustain the boys. with snacks, water, sports drinks, and half time energy gels. Also every half time they had freshly clean icy wet towels, to cool the boys down. Thanks, also goes to Paul, who rode shotgun in one of the vans, and helped chaperone the boys, and administer some well needed post game massages (using Tony's massage stick thingy). Our Team Manager Rick, deserves thanks for his meticulous planning and attention to detail. I never had to worry about anything other than the boys. He took care of everything, kept us on track and on task.
As for the coaches, thanks to Javier and Diego, who apart from their input and counsel, helped me to wrap the boy's aches and pains after and before games. We went through a lot of ice (the hotel ice machine actually had to receive maintenance), giving the boys post game ice baths and wrapping ankles, calfs, shins, knees, quads, hams, backs, shoulders. Our nightly routine of going from room to room wrapping the injuries at night took a good hour. These guys were treated better than the pros.
Apart from the way the boys are playing it was extremely enjoyable for me watching them bond, have fun with other, and grow. From the soccer perspective this was a great learning experience for them, and the non soccer aspect, this was a wonderful experience with lots of lifes sights and lessons.
GREAT GREAT TRIP!
Thanks to you all for supporting these boys.
Demitri
6/28/2010
12/11/08 - Six Players make the State ODP Pool
Three 95 players Bryce Clark, Lynden Gooch and David Guillen, and three 96 players Kyle Cacoyannis, Daniel Galvan, and Anthony Macias advanced beyond the State ODP Tryouts held at the Morgan Hill Soccer Complex
last weekend. Our six players are invited to Ripon this weekend for further tryouts. Good Luck!!!
11/30/08 - Finalists at Nomads Thanksgiving Tournament
The team competed well against opponents from Washington State and SoCal. Especially satisfying were our level of intensity coupled with good passing and movement. Unfortunately we came up against a resolute Aztecs Premier in the Championship Game, who despite our playing well got breaks at the right time.
12/1/08 - Lynden Gooch Scores Against the U14 US National Team
Playing for the ODP Regional U14 team, Lynden Gooch scored against the US National U14 Team, in a 4-2 loss. Games were played in Beaverton, Florida. Lynden who is productive week in and week out, proves he can also contribute at the national level. Good job!
11/22/08 - SC Sporting 95 Boys Repeat As Abronzino League Division 1 Champions
The team played well throughout the season against strong oppostion; finishing with a record of 8-1-1, scoring 49 and allowing only 9. Congratulations boys and keep up the hard work.
8/15/08 - Sporting Invitational 08 Champions!
The team played well against quality opposition from So Cal, Washington, and Nor Cal, culminating in a closely contested against Hilmar Milan a formidible opponent, which Sporting 95 won 5-4 on penalities. The Sporting boys showed great character and resolve, because they entered the Final (their 6th game) with many players carrying knocks. Great job!
7/29/08 - San Diego Surf Cup 2008 Quarter Finalists The Sporting boys won a lot of respect down in Southern California this weekend; by beating Aztec Premier (So. Cal 2008 Semifinalists), and where unlucky to tie with Legends FC (formerly Stampede, 2008 Regional Finalist)after missing a penalty late in the game. The Quarterfinal was a tightly contested open game played at a high temp and intensity, which Sporting lost 2-1 with a goal scored deep into injury time. Good Job boys!
6/20/08 - National Cup 2008 Regionals Finalists Sporting 95 Boys showed well at the regional tournament, played in Ripon. The team reached the final playing impressively in the preliminary rounds and knock out stages, but were unlucky to lose to a strong Milan team on penalties.
2/20/08 - 2008 State Cup Semi-Finalists
The Sporting 95 boys had a strong run in this year's competition, culminating in a 1-0 lose to the eventual Champions, in a hard fought semi-final game.
11/25/07 - NOMADS THANKSGIVING SEMI-FINALISTS
Santa Clara Sporting had a good showing at Nomads, unfortunately losing to the eventual winners 4-3 on PKs after the semi-final game ended 0-0. Although disappointed to be eliminated in the semi-final, the team are encouraged by the fact they where extremely competitive.
11/11/07 -2007 ABRONZINO DIVISION U12 FALL CHAMPIONS
The Santa Clara Sporting 95 Boys finished the 2007 Fall season as Champions, with an 8-1-1 record, scoring 33 goals and conceding 6 goals. The team's months of preparation and hard work, paid off this season. The boys are developing well and at times are playing extremely attractive soccer.
9/30/07 - Tall Trees Tournament Finalists
Playing up in the U13 Division, the Sporting U12s won all three of their group games, losing 2-0 against Palo Alto Blue in the Championship game.
This was a challenging weekend, where the boys had to solve the problems posed by the older teams. For the most part they were able to figure it out and made the appropriate palys.
Everyone had a lot of fun.
9/3/07 - Sporting U12 show well at NHB
This year at NHB the players had to endure extremely humid conditions. Although the u12s did not advance out of this tough group, they beat the IE Strikers eventual semi-finalists, and tied Surf White the eventual Finalist, they unfortunately lost to LV Premier. Finally finishing third in the group and not advancing due to goal differential. The tournment was well organised and we were fortunate to play on quality soccer fields.
8/26/07 - Three players selected to final ODP pool
Sporting U12 are pleased to have had three players Bryce Clark, David Guillen, and Ranier Plantinos selected to the District 2 U13 ODP final pool of 20.
8/13/07 - Sporting Invitational Semi-Finalists
The Sporting U12 Boys played some great soccer throughout the tournament. During group play they won all three games, including the eventual Champions Mustang Hotspurs. In the quarter-finals they won a close and hotly contested game against an impressive Almaden Storm. In the the semi-final they tied 1-1 in regulation against a resolute De Anza Force, and went on to lose 9-8 on penalties.
6/24/07 - California Cup 2007 CHAMPIONS!
The Santa Clara Sporting 95 Boys had a good tournament in all areas, playing a mixture of attractive attacking soccer and solid defense.The team showed immense character having to play six games over three days some in extreme heat, faced with injuries and determined opposition. In a tightly contested and cagey Championship Game Sporting overcame Elk Grove United 1-0.
5/28/07 - San Francisco Cup Finalists
The team played extremely well this Memorial Weekend, given they played up in the U12s. Getting to the Championship game the boys mixed tenacity and quality play to overcome two very strong U12 opponents, who both reached the U12 Quarter Finals of State Cup this year. In a well contested Championship game they succumbed 2-0 to the UC Eagles (U12 2007 State Cup Finalists), who were a well organized quality team.
In spite of the wind, cold and dust everyone involved had an enjoyable and fruitful weekend.
For those born in 1995, ODP Tryouts are on May 5, 6 & 12. Applications must be in by April 1.