Boca Jrs 94 Boys Win Mustang Headless Horseman Tournament

The CASA Boca Jrs 94 boys team traveled to Danville Oct. 28th & 29th for the greatly anticipated Mustang Headless Horseman Tournament.  The U12 boys were well prepared by Coach Jorge Nieves for this tournament that was attended by four of the top five Northern California U12 teams.

It was obvious at the outset of the first game against a tough CVSA Cyclones team the boys were ready to play.  The defense learned that shutouts equal points and allowed the Cyclones only three opportunities on goal. T he scoring for Boca was started in the second half with Julian smashing a pinball shot in the corner of the net from the left side.  The second and final goal of the game was a nutmeg special by Danny, giving Boca a 2-0 victory.

The second game that afternoon was against the defending state champion De Anza Force Blue.  It was at a different park on a much different field.  Carlos scored early in the first half for Boca on an excellent ball from Ryan.  Boca created many opportunities and had the run of play against a very tactical De Anza team.  Ryan and Carlos would team up again early in the second half to put De Anza down by two.  De Anza would be the only team to score against Boca in group play on an unreachable ball launched from the right side.  The final score of 2-1 in Boca’s favor boosted the boys’ confidence for the next day.

Sunday morning found Boca Jrs playing at the Prestigious Blackhawk Field.  It was a welcomed site to see three refs to officiate the game between Boca and ACC Mavericks Traviesos.  It was a game of opportunities and fouls for Boca.  Alex opened the scoring, lofting a rainbow shot over the goalies outstretched hands at the 20 minute mark.  Julian tallied two goals during the match.  The first, a beautiful glancing header off a line shot corner kick at the near post sent in by Alex.  The second goal was a breakaway resulting in a 1 v 1 with the goalie that stood no chance against Julian.  Boca kept up the constant pressure on offense giving the defense time to deal with the occasional long ball.  Boca would end up with 12 shots on goal.  The 3-0 outcome clinched Boca’s spot atop the point standings for the tournament.

It turns out the highly ranked Mustang Celtic team (host) would play against Boca in the final Sunday afternoon.  During the summer, Boca faced a physical Celtic team in the final at Cal Cup with less than favorable results.  Coach Jorge’s cool, calm, no nonsense approach allowed the boys to build their confidence and level of play throughout the Headless Horseman tournament.  It was exactly one minute into the game according to Coach Jorge when a well placed through ball by Eric allowed Danny to drive a left footed shot off the keeper.  The keeper knocked it down with his arm but the ball had enough momentum to roll into the goal before Celtic’s defense could reach it.  The best time to equalize against a team is the two minutes following a goal.  A fast reacting Julian headed away a sure Celtic goal moments after Boca’s score.  The game would become a bitter battle for control in the midfield with Baron, C.J., Ian, Mike, and Eric proving dominance and preventing Mustang runs through the middle.  This forced Mustang to the outside where Boca had a speed advantage.  The Boca forwards, Carlos, Danny, Ryan, Manny and Mike were always pushing forward trying to cushion their lead throughout the very physical first half that saw two yellow cards.  It is often said that the offense wins matches but the defense wins championships.  This game would be no different as defenders Alex, Carter, Chase, Evan, Zach and Julian would only allow keeper Alec to make two saves.  The icing on the cake for Coach Jorge was Manny’s spectacular cross bar high parting shot with less than two minutes to go in regulation play.  This Boca Jrs team has never beaten this Mustang team anywhere, anytime, all the way back to U9.  How much does that mean to them?  I still catch my son walking around with a smile on his face.  Congratulations Boca Jrs 94 boys on winning the Mustang Headless Horseman tournament!!

The Boca Jrs 94 boys now must face these same teams in the Nor Cal Cup Gold division in the coming weeks. Go Boca!!