WILSON, N.C. (Dec. 10, 2009) - Elite youth teams from across the country in the Under-15, Under-16 and Under-17 Boys age groups kicked off the third season of the US Youth Soccer National League Boys play at Wilson Gillette Soccer Complex in Wilson, N.C.
In the Under-16 Boys age group, the Grand Rapids Crew Juniors (GRCJ) coached by Remco Bergsma and Todd Stacy began play with high expectations. With this being the second consecutive year of playing the National League, the coaches and players were expecting tough competition. With the recent 12 days of rain affecting field conditions and the unseasonable cold temperatures, scoring was likely to come at a premium.
In opening game the boys took the early advantage over TSC 94 Black (OK) in the 19th minute with a goal from Jason Stacy. Both teams continued to look for the finisher, but neither was successful, and the 1-0 score remained until the final whistle blew.
Friday, the team was matched against Penn Fusion Academy Celtics (E-PA). Sean Conerty put pressure on the team from Eastern Pennsylvania with goal just 2:00 minutes into the match. The remainder of the match was controlled by the GRCJ boys limiting Penn Fusion’s to few opportunities. The matched concluded in a 1-0 win.
On Saturday with rain falling intermittently, the first half ended in a 0-0 tie as the boys couldn’t seem to find the back of the net against a stubborn Concord Fire Elite (GA) team. In the 46:00 minute, Sean Conerty broke through for a 1-0 lead. In the 60:00 minute Concord scored on one of their few quality opportunities. The boys fought back with several chances but couldn’t quite get the needed goal. The match ended in a 1-1 tie.
The final game pitted the boys against WAZA FC Black (MI), a cross state rival. During last year’s National League play, WAZA gained a draw providing additional motivation for the boys coming into the match. GRCJ was up 1-0 at the half after a Joe Sweet goal (28:00) and kicked off the second half with a Jason Stacy 49th minute goal. Sean Conerty wrapped up the Grand Rapids 4-0 win with goals in the 68th and 78th minutes.
At the conclusion of the weekend, the 3-0-1 record posted by the GRCJ was good enough to put themselves in first place with 10 points, one point ahead of Blast FC Red (OH). The team has three remaining games that are scheduled for mid-March in Las Vegas, NV.
The final highlight for the team was the chance to attend the NCAA Men’s Division 1 Semifinals matches Wake Forest vs. University of Virginia and Akron University vs. University of North Carolina. Several of boys were also able to attend the finals between Akron University and University of Virginia.
