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Arizona Trip “Challenging, Nerve Racking” but Rewarding
05/01/08
By Sarah Musson
Coach Bobby Kindsvater and his U12 Girls Black team packed up and left Colorado the weekend of March 7-9 and traveled to Arizona. One might think it was to escape the effects of Colorado’s cold weather and work on their tans in the warm, sunny climate of Chandler, Arizona. But, actually, the team went to meet some of the best young teams in the region for a weekend of great soccer. They participated in the 10th Annual Ostrich Festival Tournament hosted by the San Tan Youth Soccer Association.
Kindsvater’s team was in a bracket with all Arizona teams. Being the only team from Colorado in their division helped the girls set their sights high - they wanted to take the Championship title home to Colorado. The first game they played ended in a tie but, according to Coach Bobby, the girls were able to adapt and change their game plan and their second game ended in a 2-0 victory. Saturday came to an end with a record of one tie and one win which was enough to place the team in the semi final game on Sunday.
Sunday morning, Coach Bobby felt the team played their opponent with “great skill, great heart and never gave up.” Assistant Coach Mike Sanchez noted that “the semi’s were very nerve racking and hard to predict.” At the end of game time the score was tied leading the team into a shootout. Goal keeper Jackie Chiastra stayed calm under all the pressure and was able to stop several of her opponent’s shots. At the end of the shoot out, Edge Black prevailed as the victors. According to player Kelley Stevens, “It was very challenging and nerve racking but the whole team believed in one another and we won!”
The final game was played Sunday afternoon. The team played with strong determination and kept the ball in their opponent’s territory most of the game. Assistant Coach Mike felt the team “controlled the whole game.” However, after a hard fought match, the score board showed a tie. Goal Keeper Jackie realized what she had to do. “It was very difficult to be in a second shoot out in the same day,” she said. Player Savanna Guerrero said, “We were all biting our nails!” Again, Chiastra made a brilliant save sealing up her team’s win. “I remember how everyone screamed and hugged each other when we won,” Chiastra said.
Despite being challenging and nerve racking the team managed to gain the title of Ostrich Festival Tournament Champions. Both coaches were extremely proud of their team. Coach Bobby felt that the girl’s ability to perform under the pressure of two shoot outs showed their great character. He praised the girls for their ability to work together as a team. Hayley Ayers agreed that “working as a team was key to our success.” According to Savannah Callan, “We played great with passion, passes and skill.” Kayla Sanchez-Harrington felt “the key to our success was three things; listening to the coach, believing in each other and having fun.” In addition to bringing home the Championship title, the team also had a chance to have fun together and bond before their regular season began. Savannah Callan summed it up perfectly, “We had a GREAT, GREAT, GREAT, GREAT, GREAT, GREAT, GREAT, GREAT, GREAT TIMES INFINITY GREAT TIME!”
Tag(s): Club News & Events U13 Girls Black
