Six Coast FA teams made their way to the podium for hardware over the weekend at the Can Am Cup in Myrtle Beach . Two championships and four finalists awards were claimed by Coast. “ The Can Am Cup , hosted by our local YMCA has been a fixture in youth soccer for many years. The tournament allows our teams to play local matches while at the same time give support to the Claire Chapin Epps YMCA. We appreciate all of the hard work put in by their staff to host the event ” said Coast Director Heyward Gulledge.

Coast 15 Red (Click for Image) coached by Jordin Anderson…Champions of the top U8 division posting four consecutive wins. “My team was faced with several challenges this weekend in the tournament but persevered showing great resilience and sportsmanship. Being in a championship match is always exciting however playing your cross town rival makes things a little more intense. I am beyond grateful to call them my team, be their coach and have such a talented group ” said Coach Anderson.

Coast 09 Red (Click for Image) coached by Dan Martin…Champions of the top U14 division avenging a pool play loss to Wilmington based WUFA Navy in the championship. Coach Martin said “ This event was a great opportunity for us to get in some additional games and valuable minutes to implement what we have worked on. My team played hard and communicated well the entire weekend which helped us bring home the championship trophy.”

Coast 12 Red (Click for Image) coached by Dimitri Leftis….Finalists of the top U11 division losing a heartbreaker in PK’s to a solid Barca side. “ We had a great tournament as a whole after starting off slowly in our first match against Barca. I am proud of them for not giving up after losing early and fought their way back to reach the finals. I am looking forward to the remainder of the spring season “ said Coach Leftis.

Coast 12 Black (Click for Image) coached by Niko Pino…Finalist of the second U11 division after playing four matches ending with a one goal differential. Coach Pino said “ We played some of our best soccer of the season during this event. I am proud of their work ethic, commitment, and the fact that they played hard till the final whistle. I am looking forward to what the rest of the season holds for us .”

Coast 11 Black (Click for Image) coached by Brian Smith and Ryan Leonard…Finalists of the second division of U12 after also playing four matches decided by one goal or less. The boys lost the final in PK’s to PISA soccer club in Wilmington, N.C. “ Coach Ryan and I are super proud of how hard these boys played this weekend. It is fun to watch them continue to learn and grow as a team. The future is bright for this team “ said Coach Smith.

Coast 14 Black (Click for Image) coached by Oscar McConnell……Finalists of the U9 / U10 second division after dropping two hard fought contests to CEFC out of Clover, S.C. The boys played their hearts out for Coach Oscar in his final match with the team. We wish Coach Oscar the best in his new coaching role in Florida. Who knows, we may see him again? You will be missed Oscar, best of luck moving forward.