Tucson Soccer Academy’s annual Fund-Raising Breakfast, where there are plenty of activities set up for a number of age groups in the league, is scheduled for Aug. 21. It goes from 8 a.m. to noon. The fundraiser, a special day where the TSA community comes together as a family, helps to raise funds for player scholarships and club camaraderie. Come have fun.
Tucson Soccer Academy's three teams played well and tough at the recent Western Regionals in Albuquerque. The 92 Boys Red team made it out of their division and finished in the top eight. That was also the case for the 95 Reds. The 97 Boys Red team, one of this year's surprise teams, played admirably but didn't get out of its division. "I thought the boys did a nice job in regionals because getting out of your bracket is always tough,'' said Dave Cosgrove, TSA's director of player development. "Two of the three teams did. The teams played well against some of the best. It was the most successful year one club has ever had.''
Opportunity met preparation when it came to the 95 Boys Red team coached by Charlie Kendrick. After months of hard work and dedication, the boys won the state title in dramatic fashion, beating No. 1 Sereno in penalty kicks.
“The most validating thing about that state tournament for me was that everyone of those kids competed and contributed in that tournament,’’ Kendrick said. “That’s why I did it the way I did it all year long. If a team is going to have success you can’t just have the top players there. Everyone has to contribute. I truly believe everyone contributed to help us win.’’ Now, it’s the best team in the state, coming in at 63rd overall in the Gotsoccer.com rankings. “If ever this team was ready to compete at that level it is ready now,’’ Kendrick said. “We’ve competed at this level all year long with the President’s Cup and the Far West Regionals. They’ve played against the best against the best competition.’’
What a season for the 97 Boys Red team! Out of nowhere these kids came through and prevailed to win the state title. “I had hoped they would be competitive,’’ said coach Jeff Rogers. “Whenever you put together two teams you never know what you’re going to get from a chemistry standpoint. We were hoping to be competitive and by the end of the season we’d see some potential.’’
What they ended up seeing was a state champion! Congrats and now on to Albuquerque for the West Regionals.
In many ways, the 94 Red Girls typify what the TSA is all about. The core has played together since they were 10 years old. Through the years a number of new girls have joined the team not only adding to the competitiveness of the team but also the togetherness and team spirit. They finished second in state; a great accomplishment.The 94’s have focused each year on gradual and consistent skill development followed later by defensive and offensive strategies and game plans, under coaches Charlie Kendrick, Juan Pena, Mark Francis & Whitney Moore.
The 91 Boys had a superb run to the title game in the recent state cup. Great games; great performances. Click on the [+] to read about it. Congrats, young men!
Cosgrove’s 95 Girls Red finished second in the state cup with both losses coming to the titlist. The 95 Girls showed a gritty and gutty effort in each and every game. Courageous efforts every game and the scores tell the story. TSA lost in OT in one game and 1-0 in the other.
“This team is only now beginning to realize how good they can be,’’ Cosgrove said. “The 95 Girls will be one of the TSA teams to watch in the future.’’
Mac Ban Law back again as Breakfast sponsor
The Tucson Soccer Academy is proud to announce that Mac Ban Law firm is back as the name sponsor for the TSA Breakfast kickoff for next season. Thank you! They’ve been consistent and very gracious in believing in the organization, in its coaches and its players.
Weall at TSA would like to thank Mac Ban Law for being a big part of TSA’s past and its future!
Got questions? We have the answers!!
If you have questions about any TSA program, contact David Cosgrove, TSA Director of Coaching 370-3717.
For questions about registration, contact Kim Kenworthy, TSA Administrator, at 991-2118.
And if you have any notes you feel are worthy for the TSA website, contact Steve Rivera at 661-5302.
