BEAVERCREEK – The DC Heat, a U16 boys soccer team, won their division championship in the Creek Classic Soccer Tournament held on May 29 and 30 in Beavercreek.
Area players and their respective high schools are Matthew Poe, Franklin Monroe High School; Dalton Walls,Jack Garland, Folger Pyles, Tani Mancillas and Josh Smith, Greenville High School; Andrew Strait and Jon Sloan, Troy Christian; and Garrett Thompson, Versailles.
Playing with the local players were Ethan Cooley, Tri-County North; Mitch Solle and Jacob Crum, Carroll High School; Tyler Sartoris, Northmont High School; Brandon Burkey, Wayne High School; and Jared Trimbach, Troy Christian.
Winning all four games Saturday and Sunday, including the final over a very strong Columbus Ohio United team 3-2, the DC Heat displayed great sportsmanship along with their individual and team soccer skills.
Coaches Branson Pyles, Steve Shepard and Gabe Thompson were pleased, surprised, and happy for the players.
“Many of the players met each other for the first time before the opening game Saturday morning,” Coach Pyles said. “This was a tournament only team and the players had to really communicate well with each other on the field.”
Anchored by stellar defensive play throughout the tournament and led by keeper Matthew Poe and the four back defenders, the DC Heat won three of the games by one goal.
“Our two wins over the Columbus Ohio United and the Ohio Galaxies Club Team (2-1) were great games,” Coach Pyles said. “We scored first in our games, which put the pressure on the club teams. Playing behind in the score takes more energy and can cause frustration for a team.
“Our group of coaches and the players stayed positive during a tough game Sunday morning to eke out another 2-1 win.”
Leading the DC Heat in goals during the tournament was Jon Sloan with leaders in assists Folger Pyles and Jack Garland. An incredible highlight third goal in the final was a Sloan cross and assist to Mitch Solle with an airborne one touch to the back of the net.
“Just beautiful soccer played by this group of young men throughout the tournament,” Coach Pyles said.
“We had eight different high schools on this team and the players, parents and families all represented their schools and community very well. I think next year we will change our name to the Ambassadors,” Coach Pyles said.
