Today were the semifinal and championship games for the boys under 14 division of AYSO region 127. Tanner's team (the Lightning) had an unspectacular season, but since all teams go to the playoffs, they were in. They were fortunate to be put in the weaker of the two pools to start playoffs, but were beaten 4-1 in their opening game by the second place team. They came back in the second game to win and get enough points to make it to this morning's semifinal. In that game, they started very slow but woke up in the second half and ended up scoring four goals to take the win and move to the championship game this afternoon, which would pit them against the number one seed and undefeated Quakes. Riding the emotion of the semifinal victory, they scored two quick goals in the first quarter and added a third at the start of the second quarter. The Quakes answered with a goal at the end of the second, but were unable to put any further pressure on goal in the second half, and Tanner's Lightning pulled out a 3-1 victory to claim the championship. Sadly, Tanner was unable to play due to his recent surgery, but was there to cheer on his teammates. This is his second championship in a row, both with the same coach.
The team banner.
Before the first game of the season on Palomar College's beautiful astroturf field.
Getting the coach's instructions at halftime.
Tanner joining his teammates on the field after the championship.
Tanner receives his medal from his coach, who announced to all gathered that "This game was dedicated to Tanner who has worked hard all year but was unable to play today because he just had surgery." Coach Cesar has been wonderful to Tanner and always talks about how much he loves him because he listens and works hard. His teammates encourage and protect him as well.
I'm number one!
The Lightning with their first place medals. Congratulations!
7 comments:
Congratulations Tan! Glad he could make it to the game.
CONGRATULATIONS TANNER...YOU ARE THE BEST. love grandmary
That's great news. I love being related to champions.
It's nice to see Tanner up and running about. And winning championships. Good work Tanner.
Tanner, you are amazing. We love how hard you work at everything and what a sweetheart you are. Love, Grandma and Grandpa
That blog post could be made into an amazing movie... underdogs, playoffs, star player gets hurt, team wonders how it would be possible to move on without star player, team ralleys to win the game, dedicates game to injured star, tears flow... CUT! Thats a wrap.
P.S. i was on a soccer team called blue lightning once... I don't remember any championships... but I do remember orange slices and capri suns!
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