The Xplosion have returned home from the USYSA National Championships in Little Rock, AR after finishing 1-1-1 in bracket play and missing out on a chance to play for the National Title by a single goal differential. The Championship week began with a luncheon for all 56 of the participating teams from the U14 through U19 boys and girls age groups. At the luncheon, the highlight was when the championship trophy for each age group was paraded through the crowd and placed on the stage for all to see and touch. The following day, the preliminary matches began at beautiful Burns Park Soccer Complex. These were some of the nicest fields that our players have had the chance to play on. As you entered the soccer complex, the sponsorship banners, and USYSA National Championship signs along the entrance added to the already exciting environment. The first thing that hit you when you exited your car was the brutal heat/humidity that each team would need to deal with throughout the week. Temperatures were in the mid 90's all week with the humidity pushing the heat index to over 100. The format for the U16 boys group included (6) teams that were split into (2) brackets of (3). The teams included the (4) Regional Champions, and the top (2) teams from the National League. Each team would play (2) games from within their bracket and (1) crossover game from the other bracket. The top two teams from each bracket would advance to the finals. The Xplosion opened play against the Region 3 champions from Triangle United. This team is coached by the head soccer coach of North Carolina, and were very athletic and organized. The Xplosion fell behind 1-0 only 4 minutes into the game. The team slowly took control of the game and were able to equalize mid-way through the first half on a goal by Jimmy Ockford off a cross from Steve Neumann. The Xplosion pressured the Triangle defense for the rest of the half but were not able to get the go ahead goal. The Xplosion had many more chances in the 2nd half, and GK Drew Hutchins also came up big on a 1v1 save. The missed opportunities came back to haunt the team as Triangle was able to score a late goal and walk off with a 2-1 win. With their backs now to the wall, the Xplosion faced the Region II champs, Javanon (KY) in the 2nd game. Jake Fields scored from his right back position when he took the ball inside and blasted a left footed shot past the Javanon keeper early in the first half for a 1-0 lead. In the second half, Javanon was pushing players forward looking for the equalizer which provided the Xplosion with many more scoring chances that were not converted. It looked like the Xplosion had increased its lead when Eric Schoenle headed in a corner kick, but the referee called a fould on the play. Towards the end of the game, Jake stole the ball and had only the GK to beat out at midfield, but the GK tackled Jake resulting in a foul and red card. The game ended 1-0 and the Xplosion (and YMS) had their first ever win/points in a USYSA National. The Xplosion went into the final day of pool play needing a win, as the Region IV champs from Real So Cal Blues owned a (1) goal differential tie breaker on the Xplosion. Things were looking good early on when Brian Powers sent a ball forward to Manolo Sanchez who drove through three players into the box and curled a right footed shot into the side net for a 1-0 lead. Three minutes later So Cal would tie the game at 1-1, forcing the Xplosion to push forward and look for the winner. The Xplosion put relentless pressure on a tired So Cal team throughout the 2nd half including a shot that hit the post, but So Cal held on and survived for a 1-1 draw, which sent them to the National Championship game to play the Dallas Texans.

Overall, this was a great experience for all of the Xplosion players and coaches. With John Greaves prep training and David Simpson's scouting, the Xplosion team was well prepared for this week. The entire team played very well throughout the tournament and proved that they can play with the best teams in the country. Their play was recognized by the opposing coaches and referees who were very complimentary after each of our games. The boys will now head in different directions as they start their high school season, and then we will get back together late in the fall and prepare for another run at the National Title.

The team did not leave Little Rock empty handed, as the Xplosion team was recognized as the US Youth Soccer Fair Play Award winner in the U16 boys age group. That is a great testament to the class of these players and coaches that represent Region 1, EPYSA, YMS and the Xplosion. COngratulations Xplosion on a great season in 2007-08.