The Predators ’94 Boys team, ultimately, began their journey towards the 2008 US Youth Far West Regional Tournament back in August of 2007. It was the Denver Cup U14 Boys final, and the boys were pitted against their in-state rivals, Colorado Rush Nike. The Predators ’94 boys found themselves with a 2-0 lead going into halftime, but by the end of the second half, the game was knotted at 2-2. Coming off the field at the conclusion of regulation, the boys had the look of exhaustion and despair, after letting a 2-0 lead slip through their fingers. Overtime was to be resolved by the “golden goal” rule, and if a winner was not yet decided before the conclusion of the additional 20 minutes of overtime, kicks from the spot would be the final determining factor. Having previously lost two heartbreaking tournament finals that summer to Rush, one could see the doubt creeping in via the boys’ body language; heads were down, hands were on hips, faces looked grim. There was no speech or tactical changes made this time, rather, the talk was kept lighthearted and a promise was made that ice cream would be bought for all, if the boys could find the back of the net within the first minute of overtime. Well, 46 seconds into overtime, they did just that…and that, as they say, is where it all began. From that moment on, the boys refused to be beaten, and in the state of Colorado they compiled a record of 31-0-3 against teams in their own age division…with the most memorable victory coming on Sunday, May 18th, 2008 vs. Rush Nike for the Colorado State Cup Championship.

 

The Predators ’94 team arrived in Hawaii on Thursday, June 12th for the 2008 US Youth Far West Regional Tournament. A good 3.5 days before play began on the following Monday. The additional time was used to adjust to the four hour time change, acclimate to the climate and the surroundings, and train. The boys were only allowed “beach time” on the first Thursday and Friday, for a maximum of 45 minutes each visit. Much of the time the boys remained inside the hotel, and to their credit, they maintained a superb commitment level to the importance of obtaining and maintaining the proper nutrition and rest, and they did just that.

 

Day One/Match One: Monday, June 16th, 2008
Predators ’94 vs. Phoenix Red (AK)

The Predators ’94 began regional pool play with a match vs. Phoenix Red ’94 from Alaska. Phoenix Red ’94 was the three time Alaskan State Champs, so they were no stranger to the Regional Tournament atmosphere. However, the boys, having competed in a few major national tournaments themselves, over the past couple years, were not influenced by the stage they now found themselves on this day. The Predators ’94 struck rapidly, scoring the first goal of the match 2 minutes into the game. From that point, the team quickly settled into a rhythm on the field and maintained possession throughout the majority of the first half. The pace of the game was a bit slow, as Alaska, already a goal down, was more then content to simply sit back and defend their goal with 10 players. At half, the game remained 1-0.

 

The second half went much the same, with Alaska, sitting back and defending. Time and time again, the Alaskan team avoided allowing a second goal through some fantastic saves by their goal keeper, blocked shots by defenders, and simply shabby or unlucky finishing by the boys. Finally, in the final 12 minutes, the boys broke through and scored 3 additional goals. To their credit, Phoenix Red ’94 put up a great fight, and played with fantastic energy and enthusiasm throughout the duration of the match. Overall, the Predators ’94 played a quality game, albeit at a slow pace, but they did not allow a single shot on goal. With the Arizona State Champs on the horizon, the boys knew their level and pace of play would certainly need to be of a higher standard.

Final Score:
Predators ‘94-4
Phoenix ’94 (AK)-0

 

Day Two/Match Two: Tuesday, June 17th, 2008
Predators ’94 vs. Tuzos ‘94 (AZ)

The Predators ’94 boys once again found themselves playing an opponent that had been to the Regional Tournament previously. In addition, the Tuzos ’94 are the two time defending Arizona State Champs and members of the highly esteemed Far West Regional League. This match was one of great importance, as the loser, could at best, only finish second in the bracket and would then be aligned to play the mighty Xtreme Italia III, from Cal-South, in the Quarterfinals. Xtreme Italia III is the two time defending Regional Champion, three time defending Cal-South Champion, and had been the number one ranked team in the country for the past three years. So, with the prospect of facing Extreme Italia III earlier in the tournament then desired, winning this match was a priority for both teams. As foreseen, the intensity of the game was extremely high and fast paced. It had been a number of weeks since the Predators had played in a game of this speed and the resulting pressure. The boys played a bit apprehensively the first few minutes, as Tuzos’s work-rate on the field was a shock to their system. Throughout the first half, there were moments of superior defending and excellent opportunities on the opponent’s goal, but Tuzos ’94 walked off the field at the sound of the halftime whistle with a 2-0 cushion. It is suffice to say, the goals were not so much a result of Tuzos’s creation, but rather opportunistic attackers taking advantage of some very costly mental lapses in key defensive positions.

 

The second half began with a flurry of opportunities coming the Predators way, but none would find the back of the net. The second half resemble the first half in many ways, with Tuzos capitalizing on a communication error that occurred in the Predator’s defensive half, and later they were rewarded a penalty kick, which they converted. Ultimately, certainly not the desired result. The overall play of the boys left them wanting more, as all felt the score did not reflect the ability of the team nor their effort that day. However, this was a great “stepping stone” match, as the speed of play was a guiding light for where the team needed to be for future matches…it would simply be a matter of the Predators ’94 team elevating their level of play to a standard they had not been held too for a very long time.

Final Score:
Predators ‘94-0
Tusoz ’94 (AZ)-4

 

Day Three/Match Three: Wednesday, June 18th, 2008
Predators ’94 vs. Maui United SC (HW-W)

The boys entered match three with the knowledge only a win would put them through to the Quarterfinals. Maui United had beaten Alaska 8-0, and lost to Arizona 1-3, so they had the edge in goal differential if this match was to end in a tie. Maui United possessed great size and athleticism, and had two strikers with a knack for scoring goals. However, the boys were just coming off a tough loss and where eager to redeem themselves and their reputation. Simply put, no one was ready to go home. The game started quickly and the pace was fast, and aggressive play abundant. What Maui United lacked on a technical level, they certainly compensated for through shear effort and physical play. However the Predators were rapidly becoming accustomed to fast, physical play, and quickly developed a team wide confidence on the ball. The boys kept the ball moving, penetrating off the dribble when space allowed, and creating early chances through quality serves and combinational play around the box. The flow of the game was moving towards the Predators favor. However, 20 minutes into the match, the scored still remained as the game had started, 0-0. Late in this first half, Nathan Rubio, near the touch line and 35 yards away from goal, looked up and served a diagonal ball towards the far corner of Maui United’s six yard box. Jake Martinez, realizing Nathan’s intentions, ran through the box and hit the serve with a full volley, driving the ball into the upper part of the net. Certainly a goal of the highest caliber and one that would make the highlight reel for any team or tournament. One could sense the Predator’s collective “sigh of relief,” as belief, if not already, had now been absolutely restored. The halftime whistle blew with the Predators up 1-0 and gaining momentum.

 

What can I say? In the Regional tournament, one will see day-to-day game results all over the map. On any given day, great teams can get beat, and get beat big. Lesser teams can show well for a couple days, and then get blown out the next. It is merely the way of Regional Tournaments. Teams must be ready to play each and every day, and no matter what happens one day, treat the next day as a brand new opportunity where any result is possible. Focus on what you have control over…this day, this match, yourselves. And, Cardinal rule #1; never, “Do the math.” Doing the math means players, coaches, and/or fans look at their upcoming opponent’s previous match results in the tournament and draw conclusions of what is to be expected based on the posted scores. For example, “Well, we beat fill in the blank by this much and they tied them. Or, we lost by only this much to fill in the blank and they lost to them by this much. Doing the math may be deadly, as foregone conclusions may be drawn by the players, coaches, and/or fans before the game is even played. Unfortunately for Maui United, they did the math. In fact, boys from the Predators ’94 even heard players from the Maui United team on the previous day talking about both teams’ game results and where things should fall out based on expectations created by doing the math. So, back to the second half.

 

Maui United came out strong for the first few minutes. This was expected, as the boys knew at some point, if the score remained the same, Maui United would have to begin investing more players in the attack in an attempt to draw level. But, the boys where able to absorb the blows and began to regain their fluent play. Twelve minutes into the second half, the Predators knotted their 2nd goal on a brilliant attacking run that beat two Maui United defenders near their own goal line. The run drew the Maui United goal keeper to the near post, and with perfect timing, the ball was passed to the top of the six yard box to be efficiently tucked away. From there, the boys took off. The 3rd, 4th, 5th, and yes, 6th goal, was scored before time expired. The excitement was rampant as the boys walk off the field knowing they had earned a spot in the Regional Quarterfinals. And a valuable lesson was learned…NEVER DO THE MATH!

Final Score:
Predators ‘94-6
Maui United (HW)-0

 

Day Four: Thursday, June 19th, 2008
Tournament Off/Preparation Day
Team Training

 

Day Five/Quarterfinal Match: Friday, June 20th, 2008
Predators ’94 vs. Xtreme Italia III (Cal-South)

This was a day met with mixed emotions and feelings. All players and coaches have those feelings where they always desire the opportunity to one day play the best of the best; how else does a team measure themselves? But, to an extent, a little part of you hopes that day never comes. You hope either someone else unexpectedly knocks them out, or if you must meet, you meet in the final. Well, neither possibility was to be the case in this Regional Tournament. Xtreme Italia III was 15-0 in Regional Tournament play, stemming all the way back to their U12 season, in which they won the inaugural Regional Tournament for this age group in a decisive manner. Followed by another dominate performance the following year (last year). In this year’s tournament, they had beaten Oregon 1-0, Idaho 5-0, and New Mexico (WC) 12-1. Needless to say, they were the hands down favorites for repeating as 3x champions this year. But, do not be overcome with worry, as the Predators ’94 team was not doing the math.

 

Though they were known and feared by all, the boys believed there was no better time to be matched with Xtreme Italia III then in the Quarterfinals. Up till this point in the tournament, Italia had found success in easy fashion. They were beneficiaries of their own reputation…no one wished to play them. And most teams, from a psychological stand point, had already lost before they stepped on the field. When a team believes they have a slim-to-none chance of winning, players tend to play tight, and make mistakes on the field they normally would not…these mistakes compound and soon the match is a disaster. However, the boys knew they could win...they would not make uncharacteristic mistakes this day. The Predators ’94 coaches and players had the opportunity to watch, at least one half, of Italia’s two previous matches. Italia’s weakness was evident, they loved to attack. In fact, they would attack with 9 players, each fully invested in their opponent’s defensive third. Italia brazenly only defended their own goal with one central defender, albeit a very quick and strong defensive player, but only one defender none the less, who had to cover the entire width of the field in order to win the ball or delay the opponent’s attack. This arrogance, if you will, was seen in the two matches the boys had watched. Because of their abundance of confidence, Italia did allow their opponents chances for counters and opportunities on goal. The bottom line, they could be beat, but intelligence and composure would be of the highest importance.

 

The very welcomed “off day” for the tournament allotted the time to establish a game plan, as well as the time required to implement it during the scheduled training session. The plan was simple, defend first, and once possession was won, find the target player, who would follow play and be positioned at the half-line near the touch line on the same side as the ball. Since the Italia central defender had so much responsibility on his shoulders, and no support, the idea was to draw him to one side of the field and then switch the ball to the very vulnerable weak side of Italia’s defense. In addition, the Predators were instructed to attack only with four players; the target player/striker…the “bait” if you will, both outside midfielders, as well as the attacking midfielder streaking down the middle of the field. The boys knew they would have opportunities on Italia’s goal-it would purely be a matter of composure and confidence when the opportunities presented themselves.

 

The start time of the game was delayed due to a U17 Girls Quarterfinal match on the same field that went into overtime. The overtime period consisted of two-15 minute halves. This ultimately worked to the Predators benefit, as they were able to relax a bit and nerves were settled as they watched the overtime period.

 

The amount of energy, focus, and intensity the Predators ’94 brought to their first ever Regional Quarterfinal match was simply unparalleled. Every Predator player was ravenous for this opportunity to pursue glory, and was eager to elevate their team name to legendary status. This day was an occasion not soon to be forgotten and the sense of inevitability was contagious. As the saying goes, “Great players and/or great teams create their moments…great players and/or teams never wait for moments to come to them.” Well, this was an opportunity in which creating “great moments” on the field was to be required, and the boys where more then ready to oblige. The whistle blew and what followed will assuredly be a life changing experience for all the Predator ’94 Boys.

 

From the instant the match started, Italia attempted to settle into their quick style of play, knocking the ball around, always keeping the ball moving, and looking for opportunities to penetrate the Predator’s defense. But, within the first minute of the game, the Predators made a clear statement that this would not be accepted. The boys kept constant pressure on the ball and continually forced Italia to play the ball back to supporting players. The Predators knew, with the right amount of pressure and defensive support, Italia, like any team, would make mistakes. Ten minutes into the match, an Italia player made a poorly timed pass into the middle of the field; the Predators quickly pounced on the loose ball and played it high and out wide. As expected, the Italia central defender quickly came charging over, and at the moment he committed himself to that side of the field, the ball was released to a streaking Jake Martinez in the middle. Jake carried the ball at great speed towards the Italia goal; he beat one recovering Italia player, and then ripped a shot into the back of the net. That was it! At that moment, somewhere on the planet, fireworks must have been going off! Italia, clearly shocked at what just occurred before their very eyes, quickly went from cruise control to chaos. Overeager to get the goal back, Italia began to push players forward with a vengeance. Their once fluent style was now a distant memory, as they continually forced play into the heart of the Predator defense. Seven minutes after the first goal, the Predators once again found themselves with the ball out wide, on the right side, and on Tyler Longbon’s foot. Unfortunately for Italia, Tyler was intent on one thing, going to goal. Pushing the ball forward deep into Italia’s defensive third, Tyler drew two Italia players out to his run and at the last conceivable moment, slid a perfect ball to Paul Samia, who had made the run down the middle of the field. Paul took a touch, and played a cheeky diagonal ball through on the ground towards the far post and into the path of a sprinting Connor Stout (left midfielder). Connor, with an extra burst, got to the ball just as the keeper had committed to going down and poked the ball past the goal keeper into the side netting at the far post. The goal was a thing of pure beauty, and was a result of fantastic decision making, superb vision, magnificent team work, and perfectly weighted balls to well-timed runs-much credit is due to each of the players involved. Devastated, and on the brink of complete self-destruction, Italia was saved by the half time whistle.

 

 

Halftime began with smiles, high fives, and overflowing excitement. But the job is not yet complete…a good start, certainly, but a job still not complete. The second half remained. And everyone knew Italia would not simply quite. No, they are too proud and too convinced that it is THEIR destiny to win the Regional Tournament for a third straight time, and their future entails a trip to the National Tournament, so they may bring home the title of National Champions to their family and community. Yes, Italia would be settled down by their coaches at half time as they would assuredly be told the second half would allow plenty of time for them to battle their way back into the match. After all, they have all the pedigree, they have the talent, and they possess the well-earned reputation. No, the game was certainly not over, and as both sides knew, the next goal would be all so important. The boys were instructed to defend first, and to defend with a passion not yet discovered within themselves. Team defending would be key, proper support, balance, and double teaming would be a necessity. Communication a must! When in possession of the ball, be productive with each touch and each pass; make your shots sting! The four designated attacking players were instructed to attack, but play with the confidence of a 2-0 lead while on the ball. No need to rush or force the issue. Continue to find the weak side of the field, and be sure all lanes are filled with runs by the designated attacking players. Space would most likely be abundant in the Predator’s attacking half, but at a premium in the Predator’s defending half, as Italia would assuredly be pushing forward.

 

The second half began with many more spectators on hand. The word had spread. This is a game to see and a second half of soccer not to miss. Italia came out focused and bit more composed then when they previously left the field. But the Predator boys where zeroed in on the task at hand and played with laser like intent and determination. The game was open, with chances and near misses coming to both teams. Italia was now committed to attacking with 9-10 players and keeping the ball in the Predator’s half. Italia’s desperation did allow for a few great opportunities on their goal, but none found their way to the back of the net. Almost 17 minutes into the second half, an Italia attacker, in the middle of the field, struck a ball with venom from 25 yards out. Kyle Beerman, the Predator’s goal keeper, did quit well to keep it out of the net, but a lurking Italia player rushed in to stick the loose ball in the back of the net. Suddenly, Italia had real hope, and their confidence was rapidly being restored. With over 17 minutes remaining, they now had a plenty of time to draw level. However, similar to previous matches the boys had played this past year against top Cal-South teams, as the minutes slipped by with the score remaining 2-1 in the Predator’s favor, the play turned physical, and with each resulting whistle for infractions committed, Italia players began to loose control of their emotions. Ten minutes from time, an Italia player was sent off the field due to persistent swearing and dissent towards the referee. The game was now wide open, and Italia became even more resolved in maintaining possession of the ball in the Predator’s defensive half. With only a few minutes remaining, the Italia goal keeper was beginning to creep further and further up the field-the intensity level had certainly reached its boiling point! In an instant, the Predators won possession, and a fantastic pass was made! A. J. Johnson ran onto the ball, which was just inside the Italia’s defensive half and near the touch line. Taking the ball in stride, A.J. went straight towards the Italia goal. The Italia goal keeper, now in “no man’s land,” was not too sure what to do. He began to back peddle half-heartedly, and at that point, A.J. had seen enough, and in full stride while still 35 yards out and to the right of goal, A.J. lofted a ball towards goal. What a moment…what an instant in time! All eyes followed the ball. Be assured, this ball was destined for only one outcome! The shot soared over the goal keeper’s head and dipped at the last possible moment just below the center of the cross bar and into the back of the net. A more glorious sight would not be seen that week at the Regional Tournament. 3-1! 3-1! Needless to say, the sideline and the players on the field were in full celebration mode. A few moments later the final whistle blew and the players walked of the field drenched in sweat and covered in smiles, but assuredly different young men then who they where just a mere 70 minutes before.

Final Score:
Predators ‘94-3
Xtreme Italia III (Cal-South)-1

 

Day Six/Semifinal Match: Saturday, June 21st, 2008
Predators ’94 vs. L.A. Rampage (Cal-South WC)

Was there a new sheriff in town? Since the Predators had just knocked out the number one team in the country, it goes with out saying, everyone now knew of this upstart team from Colorado Springs. But what would happen next? The start to the semifinal match was different then any of the previous matches for the Predators. In this match, the Predators were the team on the field that was feared. The boys responded by coming out with unimaginable energy and enthusiasm…there certainly was no mental let down early in this match. Right from the start, the boys peppered the Rampage goal, never allowing the team from L.A. the luxury of putting a few passes together or moving the ball forward out of their own end. The cross bar was hit, the post was the Rampage keeper’s best friend on more then one occasion, shots zinged by the goal, and balls were cleared off the line. To be sure, twenty-five minutes into the match, the L.A. Rampage had yet to actually possess the ball in the Predator’s defensive half, much less have a shot on goal. So far, complete domination-with the Predators in absolute control of the game. Yes, everyone could sense a goal was coming, and after that, many more would surely follow, as the boys were truly playing fantastic soccer! Again, twenty-five minutes into the match, a corner kick was won by the Predators, maybe this would be it; all year the Predators had been deadly efficient at finishing off dead balls and corners. The ball was served in, a wonderful ball, out of the keeper’s reach and to the far corner of the six yard box, a Predator attacker went up for the ball to nail it home with his head, but the ball sailed by! Without missing a beat, or even letting the ball touch the ground, a Rampage defensive player cleared the ball down the field with a full volley, the ball bounced at midfield and into the path of a streaking L.A. Rampage attacker. The L.A. player, with great confidence and speed, carried the ball the remaining 40 yards and blew a shot into the back of the near post net. Everyone was shocked! And none were shocked more then perhaps the jubilant Rampage players and coaches. Twenty-five minutes into the match, with their first shot, they had scored a goal! What followed in the next few minutes, and there is no need to describe the remaining nine minutes of the half in much detail, was a series of events that ultimately led to a 4-0 lead for the L.A. Rampage going into halftime. To be fair to the Predator boys, much of the blame for those four goals allowed in the last ten minutes of the first half rests with the Predator coaches. You see, long ago, the Predators had discovered a formula, if you will, for beating Cal-South teams. This formula incorporated a few facets, one being, defend first, as Cal-South teams are very efficient at attacking quickly and taking advantage of counter attack situations. If a team can eliminate the counter attack factor, you keep yourself in the game and give yourself a chance to win. This formula had, in fact, been the catalyst behind the Predator’s victories over three of the top five ranked teams from Cal-South this past year. But, prior to the first goal, the Predators were beginning to loose sight of this formula, and defensive players were rapidly becoming more and more eager to participate in the attacking half, and, no, the coaching staff did not bring this to the players’ attention…the players were not reeled in. And sure enough, the first goal was scored on a L.A. Rampage counter attack, and the 2nd goal as well. The 3rdand 4th goal soon followed and much in the same fashion, with the Predators defensive effort and organization resembling distant after thoughts.

 

Needless to say, the halftime period was not the pleasant experience one had anticipated just a few minutes prior. No, the immediate future looked grim. But the score at halftime is never a foregone conclusion for the ultimate game result, and the boys found hope in this aspect. Since the current score card read 4-0 in the L.A. Rampage favor, the boys were determined to try and start a comeback attempt by scoring the next goal. No one was to worry about goals two, three, or four, just work on getting the first. And above all, play like true players who love the game. Do not stoop to the level of cheap fouls and trash talking, simply play hard and focus on the first goal.

 

Well, the second half was destined to remain scoreless. The L.A. Rampage were more than satisfied to sit back and defend with ten players, simply clearing the ball away any and every chance they had to do so. As to be expected, the Predators dominated the categories of possession, opportunities on goal, and corner kicks, but the ball was not willing to cooperate this day. The match did conclude with a 0-4 loss handed to the Predators. But, to each and every player’s credit, their hearts were big and their actions nothing short of noble, as they kept their wits about them and played an honest and hard fought second half. In fact, not even a yellow card was handed down to a Predator player for dissent, a hard and/or unnecessary foul, or any other type of dirty infraction. No, the boys played the game the way it is meant to be played, and earned the right to walk off the field proud of the way they represented themselves, the team, the club, and those that care about them. It was certainly a disappointing conclusion to an overall triumphant year, but the boys walked away as young men with much to be proud of and a National Championship as their new dream…and a dream they believe to be certainly attainable.