BU-11 White-Zamira shines at the 2008 Diadora Cup

    WPFC White once again proved they have the heart of a champion in nearly insurmountable odds at their latest tournament. Facing some familiar foes and new adversaries would test the boys in a whole new light. 
    Our tournament started off on Friday with a bit of unsettling news, one of our players was home ill and would not be able to play the entire weekend (we all hope you are feeling better). This would leave us with nine players for the entire tournament. With no subs and a heat wave that would make the Serengeti sweat, the boys prepared for some tough competition. What happen over the next couple of days was enough to give a full grown man or woman a "heart-a-stroke".
    Our first game was against an unfamiliar opponent SCFC. From early on it was apparent that the boys came out to play. Dominating the possesion with a stubborn defense would have to take there toll on a team with no subs though.   Coach Z didn't appear to be concerned at all as he rotated players from the back line up to the front giving all the boys a bit of a breather.  SCFC played tough defense but ultimately fell 7-0.
    Next up for WPFC was an all to familiar foe, Crossfires Red team. The same team that we defeated in the finals of the Rainier Challenge. Crossfire came out firing and went up 2-0 by halftime. Shell-shocked, our team came off to the sideline wondering what happen. It was apparent that Crossfire was upset at their last meeting with us and had something to prove. As the second half started, the sidelines erupted with glory as WPFC opened up with a "shock and awe" campaign that yielded 2 quick goals. Both of these teams battled for the remaining 20 minutes with WPFC scoring the deciding goal as time was running out. This "sideline reporter" believes these two teams are a rivalry that mimics Man-U vs Chelsea.
    Game three in group play was against another very worthy adversary, NW Nationals Blue. At stake a trip to the finals. This was the team that WPFC defeated in Semi-Finals of the Rainier Challenge. NW Nationals would take another quick 2-0 lead prior to half time. Surely the fact that WPFC had no subs combined with the sweltering heat were taking there toll on the boys. But not these boys, they only rose to the challenge scoring three goals in the second half and snatching a win out of the jaws of defeat. And in doing so were on their way to the finals of the 2008 Diadora Cup. 
    No rest for the weary as we had one more game to finish off an already excitng weekend of soccer. We were matched up against a powerful Eastside team that pushed there way through to the finals as well. Once again WPFC would fall behind 2-0 by halftime. WPFC had been there all weekend and knew exactly what they had to do to pull another victory out. And that is exactly what they did, scoring two goals off of free kicks to knot it up at two a-piece. However, Eastside would quickely move the ball down off the kick-off, score the final goal, and hold on as WPFC relentlessy attacked Eastsides goal.
    The performance our team showed under some very tough circumstances only shows the passion, heart and enthusiasm these kids have for the game. Coach Z was able to motivate and compose these guys like true professionals. A truely gutty performance that should not soon be forgotten!