Congratulations to the 99 Premier Boys and Coach Ted Robertson who earned 1st place at the 2009 MSC United Patriots Cup. The Team emerged from the group stage conceding only 1 goal while scoring 27 goals in 3 games. With the group stage all but sewn up going into the third game, midfielder Luke G. gave keeper Reece C. a spell in goal just after the half. Reece returned the favor by scoring his 1st goal of the season with a header on a cross by striker Joshua D. Elsewhere in the tournament, the MSC United 99 Boys Blue were not to be denied a shot at the trophy. As the tournament host they went undefeated in Group B and were on to the championship game against our boys.

The championship game saw two evenly matched teams battle it out at 2:00 pm on the Red Mountain fields. There were chances on both sides early on, with MSC United scoring first on a shot from distance into the Arsenal upper 90. Arsenal retaliated before the half and drew level. The second half began much the same as the first had ended with chances on both ends and sideline parents cheering their teams on. There were plenty of "ooohs" and "ahhs" as tensions built. Midway through the second half, MSC United once again scored bringing the match at 2-1. The Arsenal boys were not done yet and drew level at 2-2 with only minutes left in the match on a slotted pass from Kyle K. to Joshua D.

Penalty kicks (which are more nail-biting for the parents and coaches than for the players, just ask them!) are the tournament rule on tied matches. Arsenal's Kyle K was 1st up and looked cool and calm as he drove the ball into the back of the net. MSC tied. Joshua D powered his shot off the keepers hands into the net for score number 2. Mesa countered with a low shot. Brandon R. used both power and placement with the 3rd goal which was again countered by Mesa. Joey D. got goal number 4 with a low shot against an agile Mesa keeper. Mesa's forth shot went wide left putting Arsenal at 4-3. The final shooter was taken by team captain Jacob A. the center back of the team. His game winning goal was close and barely beat the outstretched arms of the MSC keeper who had guessed correctly with a low and left placed shot. The weekend was full of memorable events and required effort from all of the boys including Aiden, Dillon, Hunter, and Jacob L. in addition to the players already noted.

"What a great weekend of Soccer. Well done Boys!"

The following GSC teams also participated in the 2009 MSC United Patriots cup.