U11 Boys Pre-Season
Welcome to the 2008-09 season for the Everton Florida U11 Boys team! It looks like it is going to be an exciting for our players, coaches and fans. The team first participated in the Everton Florida Fall Challenge, where we lost the first two games, but finished on a positive note, pulling out a 3-3 tie with a tough Palm Harbor team. After that, coaches Asmir and Ben worked the boys hard in practices for several weeks to prepare for Pinellas Park’s Suncoast Halloween Spooktacular tournament. Held at the end of October, the Halloween tournament showed the boys how much hard work can pay off. We started the tournament with 3 wins over Palm Harbor, RSL-Forida, and FC Tampa. We won our group and advanced to the final against FSC Spirit, another team who had won all 3 of their first games.
In the final, Everton opened the scoring in the first few minutes, but the Spirit came back and scored just seconds later. After the first water break, the Everton boys scored their 2nd goal and carried a 2-1 lead into half-time. The 2nd half was tough, with Spirit scoring one more time to tie it at 2-2. But then our Everton took the lead for good with goals 3 and 4 going unanswered. In a total team effort, Everton won the Spooktacular 4-2 over a very good FSC-Spirit team to take their first tournament Championship. Great Job and Congratulations!
Game 1: Everton vs. Manatee
11/01/08
Our USA League play began at our home fields with a game against the Manatee Magic. Everton dominated the game from the beginning in both offense and defense. Everton displayed great passing and communication all over the field, as well as impassable defense from Ervin, Oakley and Vince. Scoring the Everton goals were Lee and Doni, with a PK by Michael, 2 goals by Chase and 4 more from Travis. Everton finished the game with a 9-2 win to start our season off right!
Game 2: Everton vs. North Port
11/08/08
Our second game was against the tough North Port boys. Play started with both sides looking a bit tired, but certainly trying to overcome that. Both teams showed a lot of effort, fair play and good sportsmanship. The first goal came in favor of Everton by means of an accidental own goal from Norh Port. We went into half-time at 1-0. The second half proved to be more difficult with North Port stepping up their game, and forcing our Everton to do the same. Ervin had a great game all the way through, showing tremendous defensive skills and even scoring our 2nd goal on a free kick. The last goal was put in by Travis. Maverick was on top of every ball that came his way, earning his first shutout of the season. The game ended in a 3-0 victory for Everton, another total team accomplishment. Keep up the good work boys!
Game 3: Everton vs. Tarpon Springs
The team travelled to Tarpon Springs this weekend to play what was going to be a very tough game. We missed Coach Asmir, but are very thankful for and to Coach Ben for stepping in when we needed him. The boys came out strong and ready to play, but suffered their first defeat of the season by only 1 goal. The boys fought hard the whole game, playing outstanding defense. They had several good chances for goals, and some great offensive moves and plays, especially in the final 10 minutes. The team continues to improve and learn, and are looking forward to playing Azalea next week.
Game 4: Everton vs. Azalea
The U11 boys played another tough match against the Azalea Eagles. Maverick madesome good saves, and we went into half-time down 1-0. But after the break, Azalea put another goal in. This 2nd goal against us must have inspired the boys. Just a few minutes after that, Lee took the ball up the middle and scored our first and only goal of the game. We lost 2-1, but the boys continued to display teamwork and good defense.
Game 5: Everton vs. Clearwater Chargers
The Everton U11 boys were back in action this weekend against the division leading Clearwater Chargers. The boys had several shots on goal in the first 5 minutes of the game, but the ball just wouldn't cross the line. They held tough for a long time at 0-0, until Clearwater scored a goal. Just a two minutes later, Max had a great shot that went in the goal, but the ref called it off-sides. It was 1-0 for a few minutes and then towards the end of the first half, the Chargers started shooting and 3 more goals were scored. Everton went into half-time down 4-0. The second half showed better defense and still more chances to score. Everton suffered a 5-0 defeat, but showed character by not giving up. A few players were really on top of their game this weekend, including Christian, Max, and Vince. Keep up the good work!
We enjoy a week off and then go back home for a clash with the Storm.
