On Sunday, May 4th the U12 Boys won the Atlanta Fire United Classic U12 Boys Gold Division in a thriller.  The final went to penalty kicks against one of Atlanta’s "Big Four".  With over 100 people watching the Gold Division final on the sidelines the Lazers went up 1-0 in the first minute of the match. Prior to halftime the Lazers scored again extending their lead to 2-0 in what was a dominating display of soccer from the boys.

The second half was the complete opposite. Atlanta Fire pressed forward and battled hard for the 50/50 balls in midfield. The Fire displayed some great creativity in midfield and were beating the Lazers 1v1 and linking up well with the forwards. The Lazers defense broke down ten minutes into the second half and the score was 2-1. Moments later the Fire scored another to draw level at 2-2.

The Lazers were able to regain their composure and curb the attack from the Fire. In the final minute of the match the Lazers broke down the Fire defense and were 1v1 with the goalkeeper for a chance to win the match but the ball missed painfully wide.

Both goalkeepers were absolutely brilliant keeping their teams in the match. At the end of regulation the game was tied and went to overtime. It was end to end soccer during the overtime period but neither team would budge defensively so the match went to penalty kicks.

Lazers’ keeper, Cameron Cushing, was on another planet in the penalty kick shootout saving two and making contact with the rest. Christian Slepicka stepped up to the spot for the final shot and a chance to win the championship. He drilled the ball into the upper right side of the goal past the Fire goalkeeper and the celebrations began.

It was a hard fought match by both teams and a very entertaining final for the spectators at Scott Hudgens Park in Duluth. The Lazers were unbeaten in the tournament winning three and drawing one.

Roster: Branden Collins, Matt Brasselle, Trevor Brasselle, Ansu Overstreet, Tylan Jones-Breland, Miles Ritchey, Ryan Phillips, Ryan Verheuvel, Cameron Cushing, and Christian Slepicka.

The ’96 Boys are led by Head Coach Dale Davis.