2013 Sweetbay Memorial Day Cup

Our FUTSOC U16-17 boys team, entered this event on the heels of an excellent performance at the Weston Cup, where the team defeated a highly ranked Wellington team to help shape the team's identity. In opening group play, our team continued its strong performances with two solid victories and a tie.

An opening tie with CE All Stars of Miami Springs on a brilliant Messi-like chip shot by forward Diego Castillo, set the tone for the opening round play. Despite an overly dominating performance where the opponent was limited to 3 shots and Luis Fernandez was outstanding in goal, both teams were very tight, but in the end, the result was a fair win for our team. The following match, pitted our boys against Alachua ASA, another highly ranked U17 team, where we once again dominated play, controlling the field and possession at about 60/40. The scoring opened with a wicked 35 yard free kick from defender Carlos Pan, who sent the ball over the outstretched hands of the opposing keeper into the back net...for a 1::0 lead. The opponents battled back and forth and in the 48th minute, a counterattack breakaway saw the game evened at 1::1. Then, in the 61st minute, midfielder Mike Wehrhahn, dribbled down the left flank, cutting across the goal line - leaving five players in his wake, and about 8 yards from the net, curled the ball around the keeper into the upper angle of the goal. A monster play and finish...and a 2::1 victory. Lastly, the team met the 34th ranked team in the state - MSVG MAGIC 97, who was easily defeated 1::0, despite an overwhelmingly 65/35 possession and limiting them to only three shots. However, the one goal, scored by Daniel Atilano on a blistering 20 yard direct kick off a foul against Landon Lupo, held up for the victory and qualification to the championship match. As a special mention, our boys were the only team to complete group play undefeated.

The Championship match pitted us against traditional club and respected foe Weston FC against Weston FC 95/96 Swoosh, in what became a classic struggle of both teams going back and forth for the full length of the match. Our worthy opponents (16 and 17 year olds), dominating play in the first half, found great opposition from our much younger squad (comprised of 14 and 15 year olds) in the second half, where play was almost entirely one-sided. Both teams exhibited strong attacking play, and there were many outstanding saves by goalkeeper Luis Fernandez, which kept the scoreless tie in regulation play. Tournament rules dictated that we move directly to penalty kicks to determine the champion, and on the strength of 4::3 in these kicks, FC Weston took the title with a 0(4)::0(3) victory. Regardless, our performance in this match and during the entire event, was nothing short of excellent, and paves the way for a great year to come!

Congratulations on a great 2012-2013 season, especially tournament play! This was a season marked by great strides for the future! You are now a veritable group...a team of champions!

Highlights

Tournament MVP: Diego Castillo

Tournament Leading Scorer: Mike Wehrhahn (2), Carlos Pan (2)

Other Scorers: Diego Castillo(1), Daniel Atilano (1),

Tournament Matches

Group Play

FUTSOC U16-17 1::1 CE All Stars - Frank - Springs 2013

FUTSOC U16-17 2::1 Alachua ASA U17

FUTSOC U16-17 1::0 MSVG Magic 97

Championship

FUTSOC U16-17 (3) 0::0 (4) Weston FC U17 95/96 SWOOSH

FUTSOC U16-17

Roster

Kevin Brown, Luis Fernandez, Marco Wehrhahn, Juan Garzon, Carlos Pan, Mike Wehrhahn, Daniel Atilano, Diego Castillo, Andres Hernandez, Alejandro Pages, Francisco Pages, Gustavo Firpo, Landon Lupo, Ignacio Cidad, Matias de la Flor, Pedro Almendariz, Alberto Abood, Orlando Pinango, Simon Vargas (Absent) Sergio Schenquerman (Absent), Segastian Alarcon, Juan Pin (Absent), Marcello Massaro (Absent).

Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Armando Tamayo

Asst. Coach: Jose Tamayo

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