RJR U13 Boys Yellow wins FC Delco Premier Bracket

On Memorial weekend, the RJR U13 Boys yellow team journeyed to Philadelphia to compete in the FC Delco tournament. Coached by Ken Wilkin and Carlos Swanger, the boys intended to improve upon their showing in 2007. And so they did.

On Saturday, they easily dispatched two teams from New Jersey, Princeton Patriots (4-0) and FC Premier United (2-0). On Sunday morning they met Hicksville American Xtreme, from NY East, who had also won twice on Saturday. Needing to win to advance, the Jr. Rhinos again put together a complete effort, and won 3-0 to move into the semifinals. Scoring for the Jr, Rhinos in the round robin were Tristan Lockwood, Jordan Allen, and Anthony Calarco.

The Jr. Rhinos entered the semifinal after only 1 ½  hours of rest, on a hot Sunday afternoon. Their opponent, the Montclair Flames from New Jersey, were a skilled and well-coached group who built the attack very well. Despite their fatigue, however, the Jr. Rhinos were able to slowly take control of the first half, and created several good (but missed) chances. Finally, just seconds before half time, Jordan Allen burst into the penalty area and was dragged down before he shot. Jordan converted the penalty shot for a 1-0 half time lead. After the half, the Flames turned up the heat, and created several goods looks at the goal, forcing two tough saves from Tyler Brew. Ultimately, the Jr. Rhinos turned play around, and Nick Shed scored a lovely header from service by Jordan Allen. The Jr, Rhinos won, 2-0.

The final was played on Sunday at noon, against the Mount Laurel United Flame from New Jersey. The Flame were ranked 28^th nationally, and certain they would defeat the upstart Jr. Rhinos from the hinterlands. In a well-played first half, the Jr. Rhinos held a slight advantage in possession, and Rich Fluegel put them ahead with a long-range shot to the upper 90, to lead 1-0 at half time. After the half, both teams created chances before Austin Stephany arched a semi-bike, off a cross from Tristan Lockwood, over the outstretched hands of the Flames keeper for a 2-0 lead. Before the parents finished celebrating, however, the Flames struck back on a scramble in front to cut the lead to 2-1. Anxiety ensued; then Jessie Toth drove a long free kick into the area. The keeper eyed Jordan Allen running on, and the untouched ball slipped past him for the final score of 3-1, and the Jr. Rhinos were the champs.

Special kudos to the defense, Jesse Toth, Justin Mercer and Pat Casey, and to the goal keepers Jordan Kerr and Tyler Brew, who conceded only a single goal against excellent competition.