A Classic Soccer Spring Ritual: State Cup

All throughout Oregon last week, the State Cup Tournament kicked off for classic soccer team of all ages. This is the Grand Finale that traditionally wraps up the end of the classic soccer season. Boys and girls, ages 11 through 19, played round-robin matches last weekend, completing the round this upcoming weekend.

Winners within each age group move on to represent Oregon in the USYS National Championships Regional Tournament in July in Denver, CO. With prestige and promise on the line, the competition brings out the best in players.

I shot two random matches over the past weekends...a U15 Girls match between the Westside Metro 89s and the Rouge Valley Soccer Club Arsenal. The 89s jumped out with two early goals and coasted to the 2-0 victory. The second match was a spirited U15 Boys contest between the Westside Metro Gunners and Bend FC. The match was physical...with plenty of grabbing, pushing and even a retalitory punch being thrown...hey, these are 15 year old boys...the adreniline was flowing (and of course, the parents were screaming...oh well). In the end, FC Bend got the win after a 0-0 draw forced a penalty kick shootout. Was it deserved?....check out the Oregonlive forum for the latest on the debate...but for me....I'm looking forward to more matches this weekend. Check out the OYSA Website for State Cup competition schedules and standing...it should be a grand final to the 2004-2005 classic soccer season indeed.

Match photos of Westside Metro 89s vs Rouge Valley SC Arsenal
Match photos of Westside Metro Gunners vs Bend FC