The Sharks, Under 10, won the Foothills Soccer Club of Greer championship tonight when it defeated the Warriors 2-1. Avery Miller scored both Sharks' goals. The players are identified in the story.
Avery Miller has a championship medal draped around his neck, a soccer trophy for a job well done and holds his finger high signaling where the Sharks finished in the 10 Under division.
Miller’s goals gave him 13 for the season. He explained what he looks for when he gets in range of the goal. “I come up to the goal and look for the assist if someone comes at me. I shoot when I see an opening and try to get behind the goalie if he comes toward me,” Miller said.
Todd Lea, coach of the Sharks, said he told the team they had an opportunity they would remember for a long time. “I told them tonight was theirs for the taking. It was their time and to take advantage of the opportunity,” Lea said.
Lea said the game tested his emotions. “It was emotional for me. Before the controversial call (an apparent goal was disallowed) we looked like we were ahead by two. Then we lost a goal and they tied it. Avery scored and put us in the lead again.”
Lea said he came into the season, “wanting the players to learn fundamentals and leave the game with better skills. I wanted them to learn to stay in position and dribble and pass.”
Sharks
Coach
Todd Lea
Players
Connor Bateman
Alexander Carr
Jonathan Holt
David Igwe
Emmanuel Igwe
Avery Miller
Graham Seppala
Warriors
Coach
Wendy Owens
Players
Olivia Akins
Lazaro Jimenez
Britney Lee
Roman Marcano
Jocelyn Maya
Evan Owens
Xavier Paddie
Jessy Trejo