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Up until now, the success of one of Glendale’s U-10 boys’ postseason teams has remained relatively unknown. Nicknamed “Lightspeed”, this team emerged from an unlikely assemblage of boys that made up one of three regional allstar teams. The team coalesced quickly and, in a few weeks, took on all challengers; some of which had played together for over a year. What was great about this team was their attitude towards the game of soccer; one that truly attested to what AYSO is all about. Individually, not one of them seemed to embody a super athlete with a burning desire to win at all costs. As friends, in small groups, and as a team, they joked, partied, and spent nights and weekends together. Even the parents enjoyed each others company to the point that the moms would get together socially on a regular basis while the dads conducted practice or otherwise took care of the kids. The dads, some of the moms and siblings all played soccer together with the boys of course. In all, the environment we created for the boys provided a very safe and comfortable haven to allow their energy and skills to focus naturally. But all of this would not be as sweet were it not for the performance and results the team reaped on the soccer pitch. With the exception of the Burbank Cartoon Tournament, at which some of the team suffered from either food poisoning, or heat stroke, during the final two games, the results were nothing short of stellar. In forty one games we won 31, tied 6 and lost 4 as is summarized below. Allstar Region Tournament 1st Place Champions 8-0-2 I consider myself truly blessed to be affiliated with all of the following young men who made up the Lightspeed squad: Eric M, Gerard V, Pierce V, Robert M, Christian A, Anthony P, Nicholas P, JD T, Joseph C, Tyler P, Brandon S, Alek Y, Felipe O, Patrick S, Erik H, Ian P, Sean H, Berj G, Brando B, Braullio B, Leo D, Allen M, and Alec G. Even though he will not admit it, a large part of the team’s success is attributable to the positive and talented coaching of Scott Toland. Without his energy and the outstanding support that we got from Francisco, Jose, Rodrigo, Henry, Edelito, Jim, Carol and Eric, I may not have made it through the entire year. The boys will all admit, without a doubt, that our success would not have been possible without the unconditional, unending, coordinated and always loud support from Alma, Pilar, Beth, Tanya, Shakeh, Patricia, Alina, Margarita and the rest of the family members that joined us along the way. Lastly, I wish to thank AYSO Region 88 for trusting me with an allstar team. The joy, triumph and great times we all experienced this summer 2007 may not have been possible without the support of Region 88. |
