The DC Elite 99's traveled to Huber Heights on October 26 and 27 to compete in the Warrior Fall Classic soccer tournament. There were 5 teams in the U-15 gold division. DC played their first game on the 26th at 1:30 against Kings Hammer B98 team out of northern Kentucky. DC started out with most of the possession and a few early shots that they could not put in the goal. DC had good build up from defense through midfield where they met a tough Hammer defense. Though DC was smaller in size, overall they made up with great ball movement and team work. The game ended 0-0 after 60 minutes of play.
The second game at 4:30 was against FC Tippecanoe 99 Academy team. DC gave up an early goal and got down on their play. After a poor first half, they were down 3-0 after 30 minutes of play. A few words of encouragement from the coaching staff and the captains DC were able to put a great second half together and had most of the possession. Tipp's defense held strong and the game ended 3-0.
The third game took Place on the 27th on a foggy frost covered field at 8 am where DC played CJ United Inferno. After a long night for the coaches, who are high school coaches and had a district final game in Monroe at 7:00 pm, morning came quick, but DC Elite came to play with good possession and build up from the back. DC showed no mercy beating CJ 8-1. With goals from Reed Brammer, Addison Ernst, Tani Mancias, Kyle Ressler, Brice Robison and Sam Boston. After a tie to a premier Kings Hammer and a tough lose to Tipp, DC were still in this tournament.
The last game at 11:30 against Tri-State FA Premier A (98/99) the toughest team in the tournament. Tri-state has 4 U-15 boys teams in their club, and all of them play in MRL league or Buckeye Premier league. Once again DC gave up a couple of early goals watching the ball instead of marking their man. Even after giving up 3 goals in the first half, DC had quite a bit of possession and shots on goal. The second half was a different story. DC put a lot of great ball moment and build up. The defense stayed strong and marked their man a lot better. Brice Robison had a free kick about 10 yds outside the 18 line that dipped right over keepers head for there first and only goal. The game ended 4-1 and gave Tri-State the tournament championship.
All the teams that DC played were 14/15 year olds. DC's roster is made up of 4 different schools and ages 10-14. This is first season for half of this team to play together. Over all, this team has been great, they have really developed their fundamentals and individual skills learning to work as a team this season.
