The King’s Warriors Soccer Club traveled to Ripley, WV, on June 8 to participate in their first 7v7 soccer tournament. This was the season finale for the team, and they finished second place out of six teams. Their spring season record was 9-3-1.
The Warriors opened against eventual champions FC Alliance. They came out strong, hitting the cross bar in the first minute, and later grazing a shot off the left post. A couple of defensive miscues resulted in two goals for the opponents, which resulted in a 2-0 loss in a very evenly played game.
The King’s Warriors got on track the next game, overpowering the home club in a 5-1 win. Jackson Yates scored twice, while Matt Smith, Andrew Smith, and Chance Blevins each added one goal apiece.
The King’s Warriors dominated their third game against Summersville Soccer Club, but couldn’t find the back of the net. Summersville scored a fluke goal on a long kick that bounced over the goalkeeper’s head, and it looked like the Warriors might go home early. But Matt Smith wanted to extend his career as a King’s Warriors one more game; he scored a beautiful goal with only three minutes remaining to send the game into overtime. With no further score, the match had to be decided with penalty kicks. Field conditions were terrible, and the smaller goals made the spot kicks difficult. Nevertheless, Caleb Okes and Matt Smith both converted, but so did two of the opponents. Both teams then had multiple failed attempts. Not until the order started again was Okes able to gain the win for the Warriors when he again nailed his penalty kick and the opponents attempt failed.
This resulted in a rematch with FC Alliance for the championship. The King’s Warriors looked forward to a second chance at them, but the other games and only two substitutes had taken its toll. The Warriors just couldn’t get things going and played poorly in a 4-1 loss. Matt Smith prevented the shutout with a beautiful goal heading over the onrushing goalkeeper. Matt is also the team’s lone senior and team captain. He was named Tournament Team MVP. His leadership and play will be greatly missed.
The team will take a couple months off for the summer, and will hit the pitch again on Monday, July 29, for the first fall practice. For information on playing for the King’s Warriors, contact our coaches at 304-466-0083, 304-890-4946, or 540-958-1509.