Total Demize Scorpions continue Tournament success
Total Demize Soccer Club has had a recent run of success in tournaments, starting with the U17 boys and U19 Scorpions both going to the John Talley Showcase in Memphis, Tennessee, and ending in the Ozarks Coca-Cola Dr. Pepper Classic cohosted by Total Demize Soccer Club.
The Scorpions participated in the U19 Boys Scotland Division in the tournament, joined by Colaiste Ide Blue, Kentucky Rush FC, MS Brilla Jrs, and Ohio Galaxies FC Elite 91/92. MS Brilla Jrs are ranked number one in Mississippi, and ranked 25th nationally. The tournament mainstay is Colaiste Ide, making the trip from Ireland to participate in the tournament. The Scorpions started off on the front foot, completely dominating the entire match. The boys were however unable to get past the goal posts, hitting the woodwork three times, keeping their opposition in their own half for most of the game. Not taking their chances, the game finished in a goalless draw. 2009 Tournament Champions Colaiste Ide Blue were next up later that night, playing under the lights. The Irish put up a strong fight, coming from behind to earn a 2-2 draw. The Scorpions were given one last chance, earning their passageway into the Semi Final's of the tournament. Colaiste Ide Blue were the opponents, who tried to hold onto a 1-0 lead for most of the game. In the last few seconds of regular time, Robert Martin was taken down in the box to earn the Scorpions a penalty that saw the game go into extra time. In the second period of extra time the Irish pushed out a 2-1 result over the Scorpions in less than ideal field conditions. Earning a passage to the finals, and finally beating nationally ranked MS Brilla 1-0, to claim back to back John Talley Classic Championship titles.
The U17 boys had more of a learning experience throughout the tournament, competing in the U17 Boys Ukraine Division. The teams making up the division were made up of Cincinnati United Redhawks Premier, sixth ranked Oklahoma team Highlanderes 93 boys, seventh ranked Mississippi/JFC Fire 93 Boys Red, MVSC 93 Green, and Thunder United Metro FC. The U17's were given an early wake up call, falling to a 3-0 loss against MVSC 93 Green at 8:00 AM on day one, with a few chances gone begging for Total. A quick turnaround saw Cinccinnati United Redhawks Premier also drop three on Total, who again fell 3-0 in Memphis. Sunday offered consolation to the team, making a strong showing against highly ranked Oklahoma squad Highlanders 93 boys, ending the tournament with a 1-1 result.
The next tournament wan the Ozarks Coca-Cola / Dr. Pepper Cup hosted at Lake Country Soccer in Springfield, Mo. and cohosted by Total Demize SC. The tournament acted as an opportunity for many players to experience an elite tournament, with multiple teams having success, with a few teams playing up. The U9 boys were playing in the U10 bracket, falling in their first game to eventual tournament runners up BVSC Stars Toros 00/01. After that Total went on a scoring spree, picking up a 9-2 and 6-2 victory in their next two outings, and finished second in Bracket B.
The U12 Girls competed in the 8 v 8 tournament, playing against Magic Soccer, Rolla Knights Rolla Lady Knights 97, NWAL Flash, and St. Louis Scott Gallagher Athletico Madrird. The U12 girls fell to Magic Soccer in their first game, a tough 1-0 loss to a local rival. The girls put together two 2-1 victories over Rolla Knights and NWAL Flash, before dropping 3-0 against STL Scott Gallagher. The girls fell into third place in their bracket, three points adrift of NWAL Flash.
The tournament's men's division was broken up into a U19 Boys bracket. Tacking part were both Total Demize and Spring High U19 and U17 teams, joined by Vehr Factor and Lake Soccer Club. Total Demize U17 and Vehr Factor duked it out for fourth place, drawing 2-2 in their game. Total Demize U19 Scorpions won both of their games with an 8-0 result against Vehr Facotr and a 7-1 win over Lake Soccer Club. The final was played at Cooper 1 on Sunday, played between the Scorpions and Spring High U19. The game was a center piece for goalkeeping, with either goalkeeper called into action on multiple occasions. The Scorpions barraged the SpringHigh goal with corner after corner, but the goalkeeper would not be beaten. It took a solo effort from Rico Leyva-Okazaki who was sent into space by a back heel from Kaleb Romero. Rico used his speed to get into the box, before smashing a shot with the outside of his foot into the upper right corner to win the game.
The Tournament itself was an overall success not only bringing high level soccer to Springfield, but by bringing a revenue stream into the city. With well over 100 teams participating in the tournament, soccer proved yet again to be a driving force of the Springfield economy throughout the weekend.
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