Coast FA players battled quality competition and also Mother Nature this weekend at the Saint Patrick’s Cup in Columbia , South Carolina. Forty-degree temperatures with a steady cold rain made conditions difficult for everyone involved with the event which ultimately had to be cut short. Three Coast FA teams had qualified for their division championship match before play was halted. “ You never quite know what you are in for when playing tournaments in February and March. The tournament had a strong competitive level and it was a shame that the finals could not be played. The SCUFC staff did a great job getting in as many matches as they did ” said Coast Director of Coaching Ross Morgan.

Coast 14 White (Click for Image) coached by Mathew Bermejo had their best showing ever in a tournament. The boys posted two wins and one loss to advance to the championship match at Under 9. “ I am immensely proud of my team. This is the result of the hard work put in at training three times per week. It would have been fun to play the final however the three match results gives me confidence for the remainder of the spring. It is right back to work tomorrow “ said Coach Bermejo.

Coast 12 Red (Click for Image) coached by Dimitri Leftis posted a perfect 3-0-0 pool play record against Lexington, Wake FC and SCUFC Pre ECNL2. The boys conceded only three goals over three matches on their way to the championship. Coach Leftis said “ We faced quality competition and played the best soccer we have played all spring. We overcame a one goal deficit twice during pool by not giving up when we were behind. Our match today was highlighted by a goal in the final seconds to qualify the team for the championship. My boys deserve this one. ”

Coast 10 Red (Click for Image) coached by RJ Bass also posted three consecutive victories and surrendered zero goals against high level competition. Wins came over SCUFC ECNL , SCUFC ECNL Regional and Piedmont Conference based Furman Elite.