Welcome to the Smash Cup!

Our U14 and U17 girls teams had a weekend full of highs, lows, and invaluable learning experiences at the Smash Cup in Redding. With teams traveling from three states, the level of competition was intense, and our Eagles rose to the challenge, embodying resilience and grit. This tournament experience taught life lessons that will stick with these young players long after the final whistle.

U14s Rise to the Challenge

For many of our U14 players, this was their first tournament experience, bringing excitement, nerves, and valuable insights. The first game was tough, with the girls facing a physical opponent. Despite being rattled, they kept their composure, not reacting to the trash talk but instead responding with a beautiful goal to close the game. It was a reminder of how sportsmanship and focus are the best ways to handle challenging moments.

Game two brought the ultimate gut-punch lesson in mental toughness. After a 4+ hour break between games, the girls started sluggish but came together defensively, holding off the pressure and finally breaking through with a late goal by Liara Lopez. The sideline exploded with excitement, only to have that joy tempered by a last-second equalizer from the opposition. The shock and disappointment were tough, but these moments build mental resilience. The girls learned that soccer—and life—don’t always go as planned, but actual growth comes from picking yourself up and refocusing on the next challenge.

Sunday’s game was another test, and though they battled hard, they ended with a narrow 1-0 loss. Despite the setbacks, the team showed incredible resilience, learning the importance of quickly bouncing back and focusing forward. These young athletes are learning in the words of the iconic Rocky Balboa: “It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward!” 

U17s Show Experience and Determination

It wasn’t too long ago that our U17s were in similar shoes as our current u14s. Young and inexperienced. But over the last several years, they have put in the work and trusted the process, and this weekend, they played some of the best soccer this team has ever played. In their first game against Chico FC, they fell behind but quickly regrouped to control the second half, ultimately earning a well-deserved 1-1 draw. Game two was a tactical battle against Rogue Valley Timbers, ending in a hard-fought 0-0 draw. The Eagles’ defensive organization, discipline, and toughness allowed them to earn points in the standings despite struggling to find the back of the net. 

Goalie Wars: A Night to Remember

It’s clear Matthew is a fan favorite!

Saturday evening’s “Goalie Wars” brought excitement and camaraderie as our Eagles gathered under the lights to support their teammates. Goalie Wars, a fast-paced contest between goalkeepers, gave younger Matthew Cox, brother to U14 player Alyssa, a chance to shine as he advanced to the semifinals, representing MCSA with pride. The U17 girls cheered him on as he beamed with excitement, and the atmosphere was electric. Teammates Bridget Aiello and Devan Perea also competed, with Devan taking home the title and Bridget impressing everyone with her grit and skill. This event was a wonderful reminder of the bond these players share and the joy that comes from supporting one another.

Sunday: A Strong Finish and Lasting Lessons

Sunday morning saw the U17s battling through tough conditions on a muddy field. They found their scoring boots and came out strong, scoring twice early and finishing with a decisive 5-2 victory. The day’s last game was against North State Misfits, a fast and athletic team with an aggressive high press. Despite the pressure, our girls held their ground, tying the game 3-3 in the last moments with a beautiful goal on a set piece, securing second-place and some hardware to take home.  

The Role of Parents and Families in This Journey

These tournament experiences are only possible because of the commitment and support of our Eagles’ families. Parents play a critical role, not just in getting players to the field but in guiding them through the emotional highs and lows that come with competition. Teaching children to process both big wins and tough losses, to move on quickly, and to prepare for the next game are all invaluable life skills that go beyond soccer.

The girls enjoy some shade and break prior to game two on Saturday!

The Smash Cup weekend offered an intense but incredibly rewarding experience, filled with moments that taught our players—and their families—what resilience, teamwork, and dedication are all about. For our U14s, this tournament was a foundational experience that will propel their development. For our U17s, it was an opportunity to show the results of years of training and to gain confidence as they look ahead to high school and beyond. 

Bouncing back from last-minute goals, battling tough conditions, and supporting each other both on and off the field—are the building blocks of strong, resilient players. These moments of growth, whether through big wins or tough losses, are what prepare our players for challenges in both soccer and life.

Our journey continues, driven by the commitment of our players, the dedication of our coaches, and the steadfast support of our families. Here’s to the memories made and the ones still to come, as we push forward together.