For the second time in River Soccer Club’s history, one of the club’s teams has won the Delaware state championship.
Coastal Point • Submitted
River Soccer’s U-15 boys’ team, Express, won the Delaware state championship.
After crushing the preliminaries and semifinal, the U-15 boys’ team, Express, was evenly matched at the June 6 state final, winning 2-1 against Hockessin’s Delaware Rush Nike 97.
According to head coach Duncan Smith, the RSC team was confident, despite Rush’s halftime lead. River came back in the second half on a goal by Daniel Garza, which tied the game through double overtime.
In the end, the match was decided by penalty kicks, and it came down to the very last shot. Five players from each team shot on the opponent’s goal. RSC’s Garza, Johan Pejeda, Marlon Trejo and Alton Walker had slipped four goals past Rush.
When the final Rush player stepped up, Rush had earned three shots and missed one. But RSC goalie Ian Walls saved the very last ball, resulting in a River Soccer win, 2-1.
“It’s always a big deal when a downstate teams wins,” said Duncan Smith, Express head coach.
Celebrating on the turf at Milford High School, Express teammates were already planning for regional championships in Kingston, R.I.
The team will practice for two weeks before traveling for the competition June 27 to July 2 that will pit them against teams from other northeast states.
Having seen the Express team members evolve as soccer players, Smith said, “The boys worked really hard. I’m proud to see the rewards of their hard work.”
After forming in November of 2012, Express had a 17-0-1 season, including two tournament wins. The club usually plays league teams in Delaware and Maryland.
However, the core group of players started at River Soccer Club together as a U-9 team with Smith.
“That’s probably the most rewarding thing, to see how they improved and developed over the years,” Smith said.
Three years ago, RSC’s U-19 Cosmos also won state finals — also under Smith.
“I just really put it to the boys and their hard work,” said Smith. “Our club focuses on developing players and developing teams.”
Smith thanked River Soccer Club for its support and providing players with a rare opportunity to play and travel. He also thanked RSC Director of Coaching Steve Kilby. The team also had help from manager/assistant coach Adam Ramses and coach Brian Shockley.
While the 2013 Youth Soccer Region 1 Championship is a “really great opportunity for the kids,” it’s also an expensive endeavor, said Smith. The hotel rooms alone will cost $6,500.
The team members said they are excited to compete and are now turning to the community for help. Individuals and businesses can make donations or sponsor players to help defray costs. Anyone like to contribute can send contributions to River Soccer Club Express; 38846 Bayberry Ct.; Ocean View, DE 19970.