U12 Boys Challenge
Cleveland United Ice
Cleveland United Ice Wins the RBC Fall Classic U12 Boys Division Undefeated!
With a late entry into the RBC Fall Classic the Cleveland United Ice didn't know what to expect coming into their first tournament of the year. The first game on Saturday, August 29th, set the tone for the Ice with a 13-1 blowout victory over the SCSC Celtic Green. Nick Brown, Javier Mendoza, and Zach Langness got the Ice off to a fast start with Markel Miles helping out the Ice to a 7-0 lead at half-time. The second half was more of the same with goals scored by Jacob Shaffer, Sarah Ginn, Reis Yu, Tyler Denton, and Lawson Lamm to lead the Ice to their final tally. After a lunch break The Ice came out ready and fired up for the second game against SASL Freedom. Ice took the early lead with two outstanding goals by Nick Brown one of which was an awesome header from a corner kick by Javier Mendoza. With only minutes remaining with what looked like would end in a tie Javier Mendoza saved the day with an empty net rebound that bounced off the goalie.
On Sunday in the third game The Ice looked more relaxed against the TUSA Sounders and had a 7-1 victory! Goals by Nick Brown, Javier Mendoza, Zach Langness, and Lawson Lamm got them fired up and ready for the championship game against the 5th ranked team in the state, the TFC Santos. In the championship game TFC Santos did something to the Ice that hadn't happened yet in the tournament. They scored first and put the Ice down a goal in the early part of the game. This only motivated Zach Langness as he took matters into his own hands (feet). With awesome moves and great dribbling he passed four defenders on his way to scoring the tying goal. In the second half TFC Santos did it again scoring first to make it 2-1 with about 10 minutes ago. With time running out the Ice defense buckled down with Devin Walker, Briele Cochran, Gavin Brundidge (with a broken finger) and Sarah Ginn all keeping the Santos players away from net. Jacob Shaffer had been pressured all game but didn't quit and came up with some amazing saves. With about 8 minutes to go Reis Yu gets fouled in the box with a chance to tie the game with a penalty kick. He puts it in the top left corner and the Ice have new life! With 5 minutes to go Javier Mendoza does it again with another rebound off the goalie and into the net for a 3-2 lead! Still playing hard to preserve the victory Zach Langness came through and scores again to guarantee the victory for the Cleveland United Ice 4-2! With great goalkeeping by Jacob Shaffer and contributions by the entire team they wrapped up their first tournament of the season with a championship.
