News

Great Showing for United at the Disney Jr. Soccer Showcase

Date Posted: 12/1/2009

Three teams from Charlotte United FC’s Hellenic Park program participated in the Disney Jr. Soccer Showcase on November 27-29th at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex. The teams played some great soccer and finished pool play with a combined record of 8-0-1! The 98 Chelsea G came away with a finalist trophy, 98 Arsenal were semi-finalists, and the 97 Everton didn’t lose a game but ended up missing the semis on goal differential.

98 Chelsea G

The girls started pool play with one game on Friday against Space Coast United (FL). They came out a little slow in the late afternoon game, but managed to put 2 goals away in the 2nd half, coming away with a 2-0 victory. Saturday’s first game was well played from the start. The Chelsea scored 2 good goals and led by that margin at the half. First Coast Soccer Academy (FL) provided solid competition by retaliating with 2 goals of their own on corner kicks to tie it up. The Chelsea proved their mettle, and came back to score a third and final goal, seizing another victory. By going 2-0 in their first two games the girls had wrapped up a semi-final berth. The second game of the day was against ASA Blue (GA). All players contributed heavily in the game and dominated in a 3-0 victory. Next up was the East Cobb YMCA Lady Strikers (GA) in the semi-finals. The Chelsea played well in the 1st half, but couldn’t finish any of their opportunities. In the 2nd half, the girls came alive, scoring 3 goals. Once again the team played well and held the opposition scoreless. This third win set up the final with the Sunrise Sting (FL) for the girls’ fifth game in 3 days. A speedy and well-executed short corner provided the Chelsea with a one goal advantage mid-way through the first half. At the half, they maintained the one goal lead by playing some stellar defense and moving the ball well. The second half continued to be a hard fought battle by both sides. Sunrise finally broke through and scored on a perfectly struck free kick. The Chelsea continued to have chances, but couldn’t capitalize and regulation time ended 1-1. Unfortunately, a corner kick for Sunrise ended up dashing the girls’ championship hopes in OT and the game finished 2-1. Sean Carlisle was very proud of the way the girls stepped up to the challenges throughout the weekend. “It was another remarkable performance by this very talented young group of girls. I can’t say enough about their commitment to each other and the club, they are truly a special team. In an environment of win at all cost soccer, they continue to step up and play in a style that attracts the attention of everyone and anyone who has the privilege to watch them play!!” stated Director of Coaching Sean Carlisle.

98 Chelsea G - Finalists Ceremony

98 Chelsea G - International Walkout

98 Arsenal

The Arsenal started out Friday by playing Palm Beach Soccer Academy (FL) and came away victorious 2-1. The 1st half ended with no one finding the back of the net. The boys played well in the 2nd half and scored on two well placed shots, holding the opposition scoreless but for a PK just as time expired. Next up, was the First Coast Soccer Academy (FL). The boys came out hard and dominated in a 5-2 win. Concorde Fire Central Black (GA) was the last pool play opponent to be faced. Both sides played well, and the Arsenal came away with a hard fought 1-0 win to triumphantly conclude their pool of 3 games. Sunday brought the semi-finals and a challenge from the Baltimore Bays 99 Stars (MD). The Stars jumped ahead with a quick goal right out of the gate. The rest of the 1st half was scoreless and intense, with both teams moving the ball well and creating opportunities. The Stars put in one more goal in the 2nd half to gain the berth in the final. The Stars proved they were the team to beat by then going on to win the final against the Concorde Fire Central Black (GA), who the Arsenal had defeated in pool play. It was a great experience for the team against some great competition. “We played really well and were extremely unfortunate not to play in the final. Baltimore was a good team and went on to win it. It’s a shame that wasn’t the final as we were the best two teams there. The boys deserved it. They have worked really hard to get where they are and I am very proud of all of them,” stated Sean.

97 Everton

The Everton kicked off the weekend with one of the most exciting games! The boys came out a little slow to start, and ended up being down 3-1 to SAA Real Madrid Premier (FL) with about 5 minutes to go in the game. Those final minutes proved pivotal, and made a point that the Everton had come to Disney to play. Everton scored three goals just minutes before the whistle and pulled out a thrilling 4-3 victory! Their next game pitted them against First Coast Soccer Academy (FL). The game was well played game by both sides and ended up in a 2-2 tie. In the last of the pool play games the Everton took on the Chicago Blast Red (IL). The boys put their hearts into it and brought home another 4-3 win. They ended pool play 2-0-1, but unfortunately lost out on a semi-final berth on goal differential to the First Coast Soccer Academy (FL) team they had tied. Sean was pleased with the boys’ performance. “Two of the games these boys played could have easily been the most exciting and unbelievable youth soccer games I have been involved in. These boys put three of the best performances of their season together and I couldn’t be happier. They were a different class. To miss out on the semi’s on goal differential was devastating. The character and determination they showed is what will make the 97 CUFC age group go on to be one of the best in the region.”

Sean added: “I would also like to thank Drew Polly & Ian Dargavel for helping out with three great teams, and for stepping up to support and help United continue to grow. The future of our club is bright, and the coaches are a huge part of that.”

CUFC is proud of the great showing by all three teams at such a prestigious tournament! Way to go United!