The 4-1 Finals victory against the previously unbeaten Wellington Wave ( West Palm Beach, FL ) capped a great weekend for the boys. Despite dominating both matches, the tournament started with a 1-0 loss (against Brevard FC from FL) and a 2-2 tie (against H.C. United FC from FL) resulting in only 1 point being awarded and leaving the team with qualification to the Semi-Finals possible but highly unlikely. The scenario was simple – Columbia United would have to beat the Weston Fury FC 3-0 and have 3 other results in other brackets go their way – unbelievably, it all happened. United, behind great team play, the team scored the 3 late second-half goals needed, then watched and cheered as news of the other results filtered in. They had won the wild card berth for the Semi-Finals.

A 1-0 Semi-Finals victory over Strictly Soccer (FL) set up the Wellington Wave match-up. The result was never in doubt with the boys playing what Coach Rob Strickland described as “textbook soccer.” Zach Acree (3) and Joey Demare (1) had the goals for United, while Goalkeeper Ben Limbaugh also made some vital saves. In summing up the weekend, Strickland added “this was a great weekend for our team and more importantly our club. Our teams’ play was of the highest caliber even in our defeat and tie. These boys are not only very gifted technically but work tirelessly for each other. A special thank you should also be given to all the parents and families who came down here this weekend. I think they all went home happy!” In addition to making this a great weekend of soccer for the club, this win guarantees the boys a place in the Disney World Soccer Showcase held in December. This showcase accepts only the very best teams in the nation and allows the boys the opportunity to be seen by soccer coaches from college programs throughout the country. In the regular season, the team competes in the Region III Premier League East and has important games being held on 9/16 at 4 pm and 9/17 at 11 am at the BB&T Complex. If you get the chance, please come out and support.