The annual trip to Chapel Hill always provides two things, heat and great competition. This year was no different as extreme heat greeted the thirteen Coast FA teams that made the journey to face a who’s who of North Carolina powerhouses such as Triangle United, Wake FC, Charlotte Soccer Academy, North Carolina FC and NC Fusion to name a few. Coast returned home with one championship and six finalists awards after a grueling weekend of soccer. “ We know the competition will be stiff when we play the TUSA Classic and that is exactly what we are looking for. The Triangle staff does a terrific job putting together a quality field of teams year in and year out. With no soccer scheduled for the upcoming Labor Day Weekend it gives our players and parents a chance to catch their breath before league play begins in two weeks ” said Coast Director Heyward Gulledge.

Coast 10 Red (click for image)…Coach RJ Bass…Champions U13 Boys First Division…Record 4-0-0…The boys stole the show this weekend posting a perfect record including a 4-3 result over a strong TUSA MLS NEXT JRS side who did not concede a goal to their other three opponents. “ The boys won their division last year and were determined to defend their title. I received a complete team effort this weekend and this championship will provide great momentum heading into league play ” said Coach Bass.

Coast 10G Red (click for image)…Coach Laura Stevens…Finalist U13 Girls First Division… Record 1-1-2…The girls had two terrific matches against MYSA Dash including a 1-2 result in the championship. Coach Stevens said “ The girls fought hard this weekend showing a great deal of improvement from last weekend’s Coast Pre Season Classic. We came up just shy in the championship but I am very proud of the toughness and togetherness our team displayed throughout the weekend. I am excited to keep building on this foundation week by week.”

Coast 12 Black (click for image)…Coast Peter Arnold…Finalist U11 Boys Second Division…Record 3-1-0…The boys posted an amazing goal differential of 25 for and 2 conceded however one of the goals was the difference maker in a 1-2 championship result. Coach Arnold said “ Boys were excellent this tournament. Everyone got to try different positions and many different players found the score sheet. Tough way to lose the final but a shout out to my keeper for saving a last minute penalty to force overtime.”

Coast 11 Black (click for image)…Coach Brian Smith…Finalist U12 Boys Third Division…Record 2-1-1…Four very competitive matches for the 11 Black this weekend. “ I am so proud of the way my team played this weekend. Everyone worked hard and I am really looking forward to watching this group grow this season ” said Coach Smith.

Coast 12 Red (click for image)…Coach Dimitri Leftis…Finalist U11 First Division…Record 3-1-0…Wake FC Pre Academy White avenged a loss to Coast in pool play winning the championship in PK’s. “I am very proud of how the boys played this weekend against very good competition. They showed heart and played great soccer. We continue to improve each week and I could not be happier” said Coach Leftis.

Coast 13 Red (click for image)…Coach Connor Norton Baker…Finalist U10 First Division…Record 3-1-0…Also had a very impressive goal differential with 19 for and 5 against. Coach Baker said “ My guys figured out that working as a team will create great results this weekend. I am very proud of this team and am excited for the CPL season to begin.”

Coast 09 Black (click for image)…Coach Fatjon Cake…Finalist U14 Second Division…Record 2-1-1…..Finished second in a group of five teams to a strong TUSA side. “ My boys put in good work all weekend to overcome some quality opponents. I love seeing their progress over the last two seasons” said Coach Cake.