Boys Jefferson Cup Weekend
Congratulations to the U15 Nike Boys and the U13 Nike Boys on their success this weekend at the 2013 Jefferson Cup!
U15 Nike Boys- Champions
The Virginia Rush U15 Nike boys were victorious in this years Jefferson Cup! After three hard-fought bracket games, the team came out with a record of 2 wins and 1 tie, which earned them 1st place in their bracket.
A formidable opponent awaited them in the finals, Force FC. This team from Michigan gave them the best match of the tournament, with back and forth action for 80 minutes. Force scored with about a 1 remaining in regulation, but thanks to the defense line holding its shape 2 of their players were off sides. During the first overtime period, a corner kick produced the winning goal, were our center back headed the ball towards the goal and our attacking midfielder beat the goalie to the ball flicking it by his hands.
The whole team played great and they deserved this victory and championship! Congratulations U15 Nike Boys!
U13 Nike Boys- Finalists
The Virginia Rush U13B Nike rolled into Richmond for the Jefferson Cup following a spring debut at the Northeast Pre-Academy Showcase. Having practiced most of the winter, the boys were well prepared for this year's Tournament and their first test would be against Cincinnati Soccer Alliance Elite. Opening the tournament with authority, Rush came out on top with a 6-2 victory. A total of five different players tallied goals.
With the sun coming out and fields drying, Rush next took the pitch against Yardley Makefield Fusion. YMS had a solid start to the game and set the Rush back 2-1 at half time. The Rush rallied and returned to the field with 2 unanswered goals followed by a somersault celebration in the corner! Rush finished the game with another victory, 3-2.
Although victorious in both Saturday matches, Nike was a point behind the bracket leader and next opponent, Piedmont Triad FC, but guaranteed a fourth game for the weekend. Piedmont came into the match unscored upon and Nike was do or die. An intense back and forth match, Rush found the back of the net on a first time volley in the first half to take the lead 1-0. The second half continued to pick up intensity with each team having excellent opportunities and showing excellent defense. Rush stayed composed and held their lead advancing to the finals to meet Century United of Pittsburgh.
Century had worked its way through its bracket and the final was sure to be a hard fought match. Working to overcome injuries to several players, Nike got caught early and went down 0-2 by half time. Showing a resurgence and never give up attitude, Nike tallied it's first goal and continued to provide tremendous pressure on the Century defense. With time running out Century captured the last goal of the match leaving Nike as a finalist in a well-played match. Over all, Nike had an excellent weekend the Century Coach complimented the boys stating, I saw you guys play at the Pre-Academy Showcase and was impressed, you are the kind of team we come to these events to play. You play soccer the right way and that is a testimony to the caliber of club Virginia Rush is. Congratulations U13 Nike Boys!
