Medford, Oregon - May 2009
The Mad River United U11 boys traveled to Medford over the Memorial Day weekend to prove that Humboldt soccer is as good as any played in Southern Oregon or Northern Nevada. They did not disappoint. The squad assembled for the first time as a unit on Saturday morning and got to know each other during a convincing 5-2 win. After another 4 tough, but evenly matched games, the boys were awarded a bronze medal.
The team enjoyed themselves on and off the field and exhibited exceptional maturity in the face of many “interesting” calls (5 of the 10 goals scored on the team during the tournament were from penalty kicks!). And, as is typical for this group of boys, they worked together well as a unit while each performing individual heroics.
Due to the 85-degree heat and huge field, this 14-man squad also adapted to a new formation for them – a 4,4,2 – which was anchored by a super keeper and a virtually impenetrable defense. As a result of exceptional play-making and team-work, the 14 Mad River goals and many assists were spread amongst most of the squad’s gifted midfielders and forwards.
Your Mad River team (from left to right)
Back: Aiden Carter, Sam Spinosa, Wyatt Tucker, Nick Black, Matthew Mayer, Collin Townsend, Rio Crossen
Front: Skyler Trout, Canyon Robins, Kacey Ford, Addison Prentiss (Keeper), Jake Verhaegh, Jon Espinosa, Cole Urbany
Coaches: Duncan Robins, Heath Ford
Manager: Darcy Robins (taking photo…thanks Darcy!)
