DCST Sharks v. Suits DREAM TEAM debut at DC Scores charity tournament June 13 -14, 2009.    photo by Tesa Leon

 Under the skillful guidance of Coaching Director Len Oliver, the DC Stoddert coed team of parents and two coaches completed a 3-2 record to reach the semifinals in the club’s debut at DC Scores’ annual Sharks v Suits competition. Len had been preparing the team over the last month and they played with a lot of skill, passion, soccer smarts and determination. (Read his write-up!) The team finished second in the group stage, loosing the opener to eventual winners Marriott, although we held them goal-less at the half. We then beat two other teams in our bracket to reach the quarter finals. We then beat a very skillful DC Scores team in a tense affair that saw a red card issued to each team for breaking the slide-tackle rule.

We were overpowered in the semi final game by Clark Construction, although again we held them to a 1-1 tie at half time.  Eventually, their much, much younger team ran out winners.

Special mention to Mehmet, Neil (top scorer) and Nick who scored most goals (along with Aaron) and our own Eric Fredell for playing with a lot of energy and skill. Kudos also to Pamela Khinda, who suffered a serious injury in battling for the ball--and to veteran GU19 travel player Amelia Landay, who rushed over to Trinity University’s field to fill in, scoring a goal, setting up another and helping the team win Game Three 4-2. Oh, and I think I am the first Chairman to score a goal and an assist for the club in competition :-)  Graham and I have both scored before but for other teams. 

In all, about 18 to 20 parents participated and there is talk of keeping the team going. Now that’s what I call going for the goal!

by David Sarley, Chairman, DC Stoddert Soccer

posted 6/15/2009