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Soccer stars net two titles
U-10, U-12 all-stars win state crowns
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Lancaster County Recreation Commission youth soccer all-star teams captured two of three possible state championships at the Manchester Meadows Complex in Rock Hill on Saturday.
U10 Stars win two
The 10under all-stars captured the state championship, posting two wins. 6-1 and 5-2.
The Lancaster County 10U all-stars defeated Sumter 5-2 to win the state title.
Bryton Davis led the LC stars with two goals. Adam Deese, Deuntae Buchanon and Colby Faulkenberry each added one goal. Offensive shots on goal were made Joey Walters and Ethan Funderburk, with strong goal assists by Chandler Bundy.
The midfield control and assists were led by Austin Cato, Jim Small and Andre’ Merritt.
The stonewall defense was led by William Ingram, Mason Green, with tough stops by Zayn Sutton and Ashley Abbott.
Defensive lockdown at the goal was led by Jacob Wiltsie, Kaylee Shelby, Jacob Cato, Zayn Sutton and Ashley Abbott. Goalie Blaine Gossman had four great stops.
The U10 stars opened state play with a 6-1 win over Walhalla. Bryton Davis scored three goals and Adam Deese had two goals. Deuntae Buchanon netted one.
Offensive shots at the goal were made by Deuntae Buchanon, Colby Faulkenberry, Joey Walters and Ethan Funderburk.
Midfield goal assists were led by Austin Catoe and Jim Small, with back-up plays by Andre’ Merritt and Chandler Bundy.
The strong defense was led by Zayn Sutton, Ashley Abbott, Mason Green and William Ingram. Strong defensive back-up play was provided by Jacob Cato, Kaylee Shelby and Jacob Wiltsie.
Goalie Blaine Gossman allowed only a goal, with three tough stops.
Coach Susan Small lauded the U10 stars’ effort.
“With both matches, we had strong defensive and offensive determination to get the job done,” she said. “These 18 talented all-star soccer players communicated and passed the ball well above their years.
“Their teamwork and lockdown defense is better than any I have seen. I have been blessed with talented and coachable players, an excellent coaching staff and very supportive parents.
“We would also like to thank Hal Hiott and The Lancaster County Recreation Department for their support throughout this soccer season.”
“Offense wins games and strong defense wins championships,” said assistant coach Greg Sutton.
“Our communication was a key factor in our win,” said coach Brian Gossman.
Lancaster County 10-under assistant John Bundy also saluted the team.
“Each player who was chosen for this team was not only very talented and knowledgeable of the game of soccer itself, but we were looking for players who would be coachable, and would listen to our instruction.
“From the very first practice, despite coming from different teams and areas of Lancaster County, these players came together as a solid unit and true team, and came ready to work hard to bring the state championship home to Lancaster. I didn’t think there was a better 10U team in our state and this team and staff worked so hard to prove that to be true. Our county and recreation commission can be extremely proud of these youngsters and how they represented us all with not only great skill, but with sportsmanship, determination and pride. They simply would not be denied of their goal.”
U12 stars claim crown
The Lancaster County U12 all-stars captured the state title with a 1-0 win over Western District champion Seneca.
Seneca proved its worthiness to be in the SCAP 12U finals with excellent defensive play, accurate passing and skilled teamwork.
“They were well-coached and a constant threat,” Lancaster County U12 all-star coach Joel Patterson said.
The title match was tied 0-0 with about 10 minutes left to play when LC’s Peyton Patterson stole the ball at midfield and passed it into the middle of the Seneca defense to an open Corey Lucas.
Lucas then tallied an assist with an excellent pass to Jonathan Monsalvo who crushed what proved to be the game winning goal.
The Lancaster defense, led by Austin Melvin and Bailey Penegar, then proceeded to hold off several pressing attacks to keep Seneca scoreless in the shutout win.
Jacob Annan posted his third blank sheet in postseason play with four saves at keeper.
Tyler “Boom-Boom” Deese had another outstanding defensive game with 13 stops. Garrett Watts had 12 stops. Bailey Penegar 11 and Austin Melvin 10.
Lucas had one assist and Monsalvo had one goal.
“These athletes really pulled together to achieve this victory,” Patterson said. “They proved that defense wins championships. They worked hard at every practice and every match. I’m really proud of what they have achieved.”
The Lancaster County U12 stars punched their ticket to the title match with a 4-0 victory over Cheraw on Saturday.
The Lancaster County defense was anchored by Tyler Deese with 14 stops. Jacob Annan posted a blank sheet with two saves at keeper. Garrett Watts, Austin Melvin, Cody Solesbee and Kayla Bailey had great defensive games.
Christian Garces paced the Lancaster offense with two assists. Jonathan Monsalvo and Peyton Patterson added assists. Corey Lucas and Jonathan Monsalvo each tallied two goals.
15U stars place third
The Lancaster County 15-under all-stars finished third in the state tournament, falling to
Beaufort 4-0 in the state semifinals, but rebounding to defeat Sumter 1-0
in the consolation round.
“That Beaufort team was a big team and they went on and won the state
tournament,” said Lancaster County U-15 coach David Roberts.
In the win over Sumter, the lone goal was scored by Elijah Roberts off a
corner kick from Zeke Williams.
“That was a nice-looking play,” Roberts said. “It was a well-executed play.”
Jake Barton notched the shutout as the LC U15 keeper.
Roberts also cited the sweeper Nick Kulick.
“Nick really did a good job of protecting the goal area,” he said.
Roberts added he was proud of the U15 stars.
“This was an exciting day,” he said. “The players gave it all they had in
both matches.”
Team members are Tevor Latham, Ryan Whitaker, Hannah McGinn, Jordan
Reeves, Kelsey Groll, Kayla Groll, Aaron Cullen, Brian Reynolds, Zach
Schoeppner, Cole Cnesich, Jake Barton, Jordan Brock, Nick Kulick, Zach MacDougall, Zeke Williams and Elijah Roberts.
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