The Hartford United U-14 boys team took 1st place at the Reddan Toe Bash tournament held at Reddan Soccer Park in Verona, WI on September 16-17, 2006. They outlasted their competition, playing a total of 5 games in 2 days. The team played a passing possession style game that looked very impressive.
Game one against a very disciplined offside trapping team called the Verona Arsenal was won by a score of 3-0. The first goal by “Bubba” was a nice shot from the left side to the far post. Goal two was set up by a beautiful 30 yd free kick by Josh B. to Connor B. who carried the ball with his shoulders right through the goalie’s hands into the goal. The 3rd goal was a nice combination pass from JT to Mike D. then to Theo P. in the center and a nice shot into the goal.
The second game was against the Quad City Strikers, a very nice team from near the Iowa/Illinois border. The defenders passed the ball very nicely, drawing the defense up the field then quickly centered the ball to Jake C. who split the Strikers defenders with a beautiful pass to Justin L. who finished with a great score. The second score came after Jacob L. received a very nice pass from Connor B. and took it down the left side, the put on a fantastic cutback move to the middle and was about to shoot when he was crushed by the defender. Josh B. stepped up and hit a low driving shot to the left side on the Penalty kick. Hartford wins 2-0.
Hartford beat the Regent Crew 2-0 Sunday morning to win their pool and advance to the semi-finals. 3 minutes into the game, Mike D. chips a nice ball off a free kick to the fast moving Josh B. making a very nice run through the middle. After getting control with a little help from Theo P., Josh B. smacked the ball into the goal. The second score came off the Mike/Josh combo this time with Josh B. taking the ball down the side line and smashing the ball to the near post with a ball that was too hot to handle and bounce off the goalie’s hands. Mike D. finished after following up quickly.
Hartford won the semifinal game against Sussex United 92/93 Sunday afternoon when they strung together more than four passes setting Jake C. up in the corner who crossed a beautiful ball in front of the goal when Justin L. cleaned up by punching it in after thirty-eight seconds of play. In the second half, a pass to Justin L. who put on some sweet moves and amazing hustle to bust loose for a one on one score against the Sussex goalie. Jacob L. then hit a sweet shot from the left with 10 seconds to play to finish up with a 3-0 win and move into the Championship.
The 1-0 championship victory for Hartford was a test of will power and stamina for Hartford and the defending champion Cedar Valley Hurricanes in very competitive game that was decided 6 minutes into the second half when Jacob L hit a very sweet free kick to Jake C. who was near the goalie and headed the ball over the goalie. The ball went right across the face of the net where Justin L. hustled to punch it in right next to the far post.
It was an amazing tournament in that not a single goal was scored. Nick S. played a super tourney and had some very exciting moments and plays. The defenders did a fantastic job of staving off attack after attack and countering quickly. The team has improved quite nicely since the opening of the season. Congratulations Hartford United!
Game results:
Detailed results can be found here
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September 20, 2006