The boys of Liverpool FC 99 Keegan didn’t have to wait long to capitalize on their growth from the indoor winter and outdoor spring seasons. Assembling a confident and conditioned team of Reds, Coach Jonny Wardrobe saw his team’s endurance carry them into the finals of the Carey Invitational tournament May 9-10.

Saturday afternoon’s first challenge against Metro 99 was greeted with butterfly stomachs, but a 2-0 lead in the first half put doubt to rest. With only 11 players, halftime was a welcome opportunity to reflect on success, hydrate, and prepare for the long second half. Butterflies turned to iron will in the second half, and the Reds battled to a 4-2 win, handing Coach Jonny his first outdoor tournament game win.

Saturday evening’s cooler temperatures and windy conditions threatened to rain on the Red’s parade in Game 2, but another 2-goal first half against FC Dallas East Blue cleared the skies. Once again the Red’s 11-man side took their lead into a well-earned halftime and returned with experience and solidarity for the second half. Two more goals and stellar defending despite the opposing team’s constant stream of substitutions earned the Reds a clean sheet, a 4-goal win, and maximum points for their effort.

Sunday afternoon brought warmer temperatures, higher humidity, and a welcomed 12th man to the sideline. With a substitution, confidence from Saturday’s wins, and some sleep under their belt, the Reds cruised against FC Dallas 99 Khastehdel. Fluid passing connecting diagonal runs off the ball proved too fast for the competition, and aggressive wins in the air retained play in the attacking third of the field the entire game. FC Dallas’ only shot on goal was a 25-yard free kick that sailed well wide without threatening; the Liverpool keeper’s only chore of the game was to shag a ball for a goal kick in the second half. Four goals and another clean sheet put the Reds in first place of their bracket on 29 points, more than any other team in the age-group.

To finish bracket play with 3 wins, 2 shut-outs, and 29 points was well earned, but Liverpool FC 99 Keegan also knew who to thank for success and support off the field. Recognizing the sacrifice and dedication of those on the sidelines, the boys sprinted across the field after final handshakes were exchanged to present their mothers a rose and a kiss on Mother’s Day. Win or lose, there’s a reason they’ll never walk alone!

The team’s only loss fell in the Championship game when the weekend’s humidity and lack of substitutions finally caught-up with them. At the end of a 4-game tournament weekend, the Keegan team fell victim to a deeper bench and the FC Dallas 99 Pritchett team, losing a hard-fought late afternoon final 2-0.

Congratulations, Coach Jonny Wardrobe, for your tournament success and the privilege of hanging Carey Tournament Finalist medals on each of your 12 players Sunday night. More than score lines and points, you’ve built a great team of young men.