Coast FA entered twenty teams in the Columbia based Carolina Cup and nine returned home down I-20 with hardware for their efforts. Five championships and four finalist trophies were captured by Coast teams. “ We feel especially fortunate to have even been playing soccer this weekend considering the damage inflicted by Hurricane Helene to our area. We pray for the families effected by the storm and wish for a speedy recovery. It certainly puts youth soccer in its proper perspective when compared to the journey ahead for all of those touched by the hurricane “ said Coast Director Heyward Gulledge.

Coast 16g Red (Click for Image) coached by Khalil Bouhaddou won the championship of the U9 Girls Division by posting an undefeated 4-0-0 record. The girls scored thirty four goals while conceding zero over the course of four matches. “ Our team showed incredible determination this weekend and it paid off with a well - deserved title “ said Coach Bouhaddou.

Coast 14g Red (Click for Image) coached by Stephanie Cumez claimed top honors in the U11 Girls Division by also posting a 4-0-0 record. The girls relied on a stingy defensive effort as well allowing only two goals to quality competition from the Atlanta area. Coach Cumez added “ We are happy to win the event against teams that we do not get to play in our league. All of their hard work and dedication really paid off this weekend. I am extremely proud of these ladies .”

Coast 10g Red (Click for Image) coached by Jordin Anderson was awarded the championship medals for the U15 Girls Division. “ We had two especially close matches with CESA Select out of Greenville on our way to a perfect record this weekend. We lost earlier in league play to two of the teams that we beat this weekend. The plan was to understand our mistakes and then execute our adjustments. Playing against one of your rivals is especially exciting and makes the environment more intense. Our team took a step forward this weekend for sure “ said Coach Anderson.

Coast 06/07g Red (Click for Image) coached by Gabby White finished as finalist in the U18-U19 Girls Division. The girls dropped a heartbreaker 0-1 in the championship match after playing three nearly perfect matches in pool play where they did not concede a goal. “ Not winning the championship after only allowing one goal is a tough pill to swallow. I am extremely proud of all of their effort and hard work this weekend “ said Coach White.

Coast 17 Red (Click for Image) coached by Paul Saliba came home with the U8 Division championship medals. The boys scored goals in bunches during pool play but were forced to a PK shootout by a scrappy Lexington team in the final. A 4-2 result from the kicks from the mark allowed Coast to prevail. Coach Saliba said “ Very proud of the soccer that we played this weekend. It is a testament to their hard work and skillset they bring to every training session. This is a group that really enjoys playing the game.”

Coast 15 Black (Click for Image) coached by Quadarius Grate won their U10 Division in dominating fashion as they reeled off four consecutive one sided results. “Great weekend from the boys in Columbia. Came out strong in all four matches and took care of business. I am very happy with the progress of this team “ said Coach Grate.

Coast 15 Red (Click for Image) coached by Jordin Anderson finished as finalist in their U10 Division. After posting three consecutive wins the boys ran into an inspired CASA Pride side from the Clemson area. Coach Anderson added “ I am happy with the way the boys competed in all four matches. Playing in the top group against quality opponents will pay off for us. We are in the building process and the boys are learning from their mistakes. There were a lot of positives to take away from this tournament. “

Coast 13 Black (Click for Image) coached by Rob Bramble also finished as finalist in the U12 Division. “ After a slow start the boys won their final two matches to advance to the championship match. Good decision making and teamwork contributed to their success. The final was a thriller that ended 3-3 in regulation but we came up just short in the extra time period “ said Coach Bramble.

Coast 12 Black (Click for Image) coached by Mathew Bermejo claimed finalist medals in the U13 Division. Coach Bermejo said “ the boys worked insanely hard this weekend in weather that included heat, rain, fog and humidity. This team gets a little better with every match that we play and I am excited to see how far they can go.”