The King’s Warriors Soccer Club performed well at the Challenger Tournament in Grundy, VA, Sept. 8 and 9. After a long road trip on Friday evening the defense started flat and gave up two quick goals in their opener to Mountain Mission. They settled down after that and held the home team scoreless from that point on. In the second half, David Blume scored on a free kick from Brayan Calix-Herrera. The game ended a very respectable 2-1 loss.
The next morning the King’s Warriors got right to work against Oak Hill Academy. Izaiah Ciampanella scored to give the Warriors a 1-0 half-time lead. David Blume added a penalty kick in the second half to complete the 2-0 win. The defense worked hard to help goalkeeper Jack Spurgin post his second shut-out of the season.
With only a few minutes rest, the team returned to the field against Bluegrass United, a strong team from Lexington, KY. The King’s Warriors got an early goal on a corner kick when fullback Ethan Buckland kicked in a loose ball. The 1-0 lead stood till the second half, when Bluegrass United tied the score. Both teams battled furiously, but couldn’t produce another goal. Overtime remained scoreless, forcing a penalty kick shoot-out. David Blume, Asher Bailey, and Mikey Gill all converted from the spot, but our fourth kicker shot too close to the goalie, who made the save. Bluegrass United shot first in the shoot-out, and their kickers went an incredible 5-for-5 from the spot, allowing them to claim the win and second place in the tournament.
The King’s Warriors played very well and learned a lot from the experience. They finished third, and David Blume and Mikey Gill were named to the All-Tournament Team. The Warriors will prepare this week for their own home tournament featuring New Castle United and Mercer Christian Academy. Games will be played on Saturday, Sept. 16, at the Peterstown Soccer Complex beginning at 10:00 a.m. Come out and support your King’s Warriors.