A bi-weekly newsletter brought to you by the Coaching Staff
JANUARY 9, 2022
Disney College Showcase 2021
During this year’s competition, Blast FC sent 3 of our strongest age groups to the competition. The U16s, U17s and U18s all had very difficult teams in their respective groups, and it was an exciting weekend for everyone involved. The level of exposure to college coaches at this year’s showcase was phenomenal as all 3 of our squads featured regularly on stream.
The Magical Kingdom would not be conquered this year, but we are very excited for the prospects of the future!
2006s Start Strongly but Lose Out on Final Day
Our young U16 squad played their hearts out against MLS Next Orlando City, but failed to make any of their chances count finishing the first day with a 0-0 draw. The following day saw the U16s firing on all cylinders against Houston FC scoring 4 while keeping a clean sheet, and setting up a must-win scenario on their final day. Martin United proved a strong opponent against our 2006s and the game was on a knife edge until the very end. Desperately trying to get the necessary win in order to advance into the knockout stages, the U16s threw caution to the wind looking to get a final goal from a set piece. Unfortunately, the set piece was countered and the team succumbed very late to a 1-2 loss to close out their Disney Showcase.
Left it all out on the field that day, and we could not be prouder of you 2006s! Heads up as we move forward this season!
2005s Fight to the Bitter End but Lose Out on Final Day
The U17 squad arrived at the Disney College Showcase focused, and ready to make a statement to college coaches around the country. Having the most difficult path forward of all 3 squads at the Showcase, the U17s started well against Dallas Texans ECNL and were a bit unfortunate not to win on their first day closing it out with a 0-0 tie. The second day would see the 2005s come out strongly and determined to beat their next opponent in order to control their own destiny heading into the final day. After giving up an early goal, la remontada was on and the U17s were able to defeat Space Coast ECNL 2-1 with a dramatic last-minute goal. Needing a win on the final day against Quickstrike FC the 2005s threw everything they had at their opponent, and a couple of controversial offside calls would keep the scoreline at 0-1.
Heartbreak on the final day lads, but we are so proud of your resilience and effort so far! The future looks very bright!
2004s Set the Tempo but Run Out of Steam on Fourth Day
The experienced U18 squad was coming to Disney determined to rectify their previous showing in Indy, and hoping to claim an important piece of silverware. 6 games in 5 days is a tough ask, but the lads were determined to play their best soccer in sunny Orlando. FC Europa scored first, but the U18s persevered and overcame to win 2-1 setting up a second day against Pachuca FC in a game where 2 golazos would see our 2004s triumph 2-0. The third day was a difficult contest against local Team Boca, but the lads once again prevailed 2-1. On the fourth day of competition, our U18s were matched up against Ohio rival Cincinnati Elite FC. Leading 1-0 with a handful of minutes to play, the 2004s succumbed to the pressure and gave up a momentum changing PK. Following a scoreless overtime, Pks would be necessary to determine a winner, and unfortunately on this day we were second best.
Fantastic run lads. Everyone is proud of what you have achieved, and are looking forward to everything positive coming your way!
We. Keep. Going!
Blast FC Foundation-Ways to Earn and Help Out!
After our August announcement of the Blast FC Foundation, created to honor the legacy built by coach Lesh and Blast FC Soccer Academy, we have begun to create new ways for our entire community to help raise funds that go towards player fees, tournament costs, and overall expenses for the teams at the Club and those in need.
We wanted to remind everyone that you can now use the RaiseRight App or shopwithscrip.com to buy gift cards that can be used for everyday purchases such as gas, food, and other essentials. 75% of your rebate amount from your purchase will be applied to the family player fees account, saved to be used for player fees and/or travel expenses in association with Blast FC Tournament participation, or you can donate your earnings to the Blast FC Foundation to help others.
Remember, it’s only 3 easy steps!
1. Download the App RaiseRight or go online to shopwithscrip.com
2. Set up an account, using the organizational code 4B5862FA86L61
3. Setup your Payment Type
• Choose Bank Account
• Enter Bank Routing and Account Number
• Wait a day or 2 and look for small deposits made into your account and then login and finish the setup process by entering these amounts…you are ready to start earning!
From the Mobile Desk of Coach Mauricio
We hope everyone was able to enjoy their holidays, and was able to stay healthy and safe heading into the New Year. We are currently in our Winter Break, but look forward to training restating Saturday January 15th!
The training schedule has gone out, and we hope everyone is as excited as we are!
Blast FC Soccer Academy
BlastFC.com
5620 St. George Ave
Westerville, Ohio 43082
(614)882-9990