Boca Jrs 94 Boys Champions Again
The CASA Boca Jrs 94 boys traveled to Petaluma over the Labor Day weekend for the inaugural Sonoma County Classic and their final tournament before beginning league play. Under the guidance of Coach Jorge Nieves, the inspired Boca team swept through the competitive tournament in impressive fashion, scoring 17 goals while surrendering none. Boca opened the tournament on Saturday with a decisive 5-0 lunchtime victory over its aggressive namesake from Manteca. Boca then met host Sonoma County Alliance 95, a State Cup semifinalist earlier this year. Manny opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a nifty goal from just outside the box, giving Boca a slim 1-0 halftime lead. Midway through the second half, Julian lifted a magnificent shot from 30 yards out over the goalkeeper’s outstretched arms to help secure the 2-0 victory. Throughout the physical contest, Boca defenders and midfielders converged on SCA’s formidable forwards, preventing any enemy tallies and controlling the action on the Boca side of the field.
Sunday morning pitted two Sacramento teams against each other in a rematch of their 2-2 tie at last month’s Ballistic United Summer Classic. Despite the damp chill and slippery field, a sure-footed Boca ignited for a convincing shutout over Elk Grove with several players scoring and testing new positions. Boca dedicated its second half to Mike who left early with a nasty head wound. With maximum Red Division points, Boca qualified for the Championship Game against the winner of the Black Division, Bay Area Premier.
The Sunday afternoon Championship was a match of momentum shifts, one side battling to create opportunities and the other making superb saves to stop them. With the early advantage, Boca rode the emotional lift of Mike’s return to three narrow first half misses, including Julian’s rocket off the cross bar. Boca’s worthy opponent, a collection of disciplined all-stars from throughout the Bay Area, gained the advantage shortly before half, but also failed to convert thanks to Boca’s sticky defensive line and decisive goalkeeping. The second half mirrored the first with another Julian shot banging off the post and an occasional push from Bay Area Premier. During the closing seconds of regulation, Boca's teamwork finally paid off as its defenders and midfielders angled the ball downfield to a forced clear. The second Boca sideline entry ricocheted toward the corner where a racing Ryan crossed the ball over the hustling opposition. A blurring Carlos finished with a perfect header, bouncing the winning volley into the back of the net. Before Bay Area Premier could replace the ball at midfield, the referee twice blew his final whistle, signaling another Boca championship. Congratulations to Boca’s dazzling defenders Carter, Cristian, Evan, Mike, and Zach for pitching 4 shutouts with their sure-handed keeper Alec and to Julian, Carlos, C.J., Eric, Alex, Manny, Ryan, Baron, and Ian for their outstanding pressure, ball control and finishes. Next up for Boca is league play and the Nike Headless Horseman Halloween Classic on October 28-29.
