In the scorching heat of Plano, Texas, the ASC New Stars youth and veteran squads demonstrated the spirit of football over the past weekend in the illustrious Region III Tournament. The open team scored an impressive 21 goals in the group stages, and despite their heartbreaking penalty shoot-out defeat in the semi-final, the team has emerged stronger and more experienced.
The ASC New Stars’ run in the group stage was nothing short of magnificent. They set the tone for their campaign with a 6-0 domination over Kader Boys FC. Not satisfied with the margin, they upped the ante by defeating Ice FC/Black Ice 7-1, showcasing their deft tactical play and striking power. They then went on to demolish Cobb United FC 8-0, capping off a remarkable performance in the group stage.
However, their promising run came to an unfortunate end in the semi-finals, as they battled valiantly against Tulsa Athletic. Despite a tense 3-3 tie in overtime, the Stars were defeated in penalties, ending their chance at the Region III title.
Many players stood out in the open team, but none more so than Osiel Robledo, Emmanuel Usen, and Dessaline Allison. Their individual performances were the pillars around which the team built its attacking structure. Usen and Osiel’s control and creativity in the midfield, coupled with Allison‘s striking power, led to several goals during the tournament.
Debutantes Samuel Babatunde, Alex Pacheco, Dominic Corridor, Owen Kipkoech, and Njoku Christopher put up strong performances, showing promise for the future of the club. They will surely be names to watch out for in the coming years.
A special mention goes to Diego Herrera, a fresh high school graduate, who performed remarkably well during the tournament. His maturity and skill on the pitch defied his age, and his potential makes him an exciting prospect for the future.
Leading the young team on the field was their captain, Eric Robertson. His experience and leadership were instrumental in guiding the team to their successes.
In the Over 30 category, the ASC New Stars were unstoppable, securing wins in every game. Their first game against Super Stars FC ended in a solid 5-1 victory. They followed this up with a 5-0 win over SH United, asserting their dominance in the age category. The victory march continued with a 6-1 win over Rayados, setting them up for a thrilling final.
Facing Rayados again in the championship match, the New Stars clinched a tense 2-1 victory, securing the Region III title. With this victory, the team has secured their spot in the Nationals, set to take place on August 4th-6th in the Quad Cities area of Iowa and Illinois.
In the face of adversities and hard-fought battles, the ASC New Stars have proven their mettle in the Region III Tournament. The open team’s promising performance and the Over 30 squad’s unstoppable winning streak highlight an exciting future for the club. As they look forward to the Nationals, the players, management, and fans can certainly be proud of their achievements so far. Their success serves as a reminder that the ASC New Stars are indeed, a force to reckon with in football.
