The Toombs County Soccer Association (TCSA) sent three teams to compete in the highly competitive 49th Annual Athens United Invitational Tournament on August 17-18, facing off against 125 teams from 33 different clubs.
The 12u boy's team, comprised of young and enthusiastic players, gained invaluable experience at their first tournament. Despite facing tough competition, they displayed remarkable spirit and determination. Coach Amanda Betsill expressed her pride in the team’s performance, stating, "I'm incredibly proud of our 12u team for their incredible effort and determination throughout the tournament. They showed tremendous growth with each game and never gave up, fighting hard until the final whistle. Their resilience and teamwork are truly inspiring."
The 19u Boys team showcased exceptional talent, dominating their group and securing a spot in the finals. In their opening match against CMH Soccer, goals from Charles Gillingwater and Kayne Hodges secured a 2-0 victory. Their second match against the host club, Athens United, proved to be a thrilling encounter. Despite a strong start from Athens United, TCSA United fought back with goals from Kayne Hodges and a hat trick from Krystian Florez to take a 4-2 lead. However, a late goal from Athens United narrowed the gap to 4-3.
On the final day, TCSA United faced Tormenta FC twice, falling short in both matches. Despite the losses, the team's performance was commendable. Head Coach Fletcher expressed his satisfaction with the team's progress, saying, "The boys exceeded expectations given the challenges they faced. With only one returning player and a roster primarily composed of younger athletes, they demonstrated incredible heart and resilience. Battling against more experienced opponents, they gained invaluable experience and grew significantly as players and teammates."
The 19u Girls team also showcased their talent, starting the tournament with a victory over All-In FC thanks to a goal from Elia Delgado. However, they faced a tough challenge in their second match against LSA, resulting in a 3-0 defeat. A crucial 1-0 win against Piedmont SA on Sunday secured their place in the finals. Unfortunately, they fell short against LSA in the championship match. Despite the outcome, Head Coach Fletcher Corbin praised the team's efforts: "The girls' unwavering teamwork, coupled with their fierce competitive spirit and undeniable talent, propelled them through grueling competition and scorching heat to secure a spot in the finals."
TCSA is immensely proud of all three teams for their dedication, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit. The experience gained at the Athens Invitational will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for their continued growth and success both on and off the pitch.