Coach Dante Johnson said “The State 48 FC 2012/2013 Boys Elite team battled their way through an incredible weekend of high-level competition and finished by winning the Phoenix Rising Cup Tournament Championship game 2–1 over an MLS Next team! The road to the championship was anything but easy. These boys truly put everything on the line. They pushed their bodies, challenged themselves mentally, and refused to let adversity define their weekend. I am incredibly proud of this group – not just because they won the championship, but because of the discipline, structure, passion, desire, teamwork, and sacrifice they displayed against quality competition. This weekend taught these boys something that goes far beyond a trophy: when passion, discipline, teamwork and sacrifice come together, you can reach an entirely new level – a new pinnacle you may not have even known was possible. They were pushed harder than they have ever been pushed. They stretched themselves physically and mentally and discovered what they are capable of when they refused to quit. The coaching staff is excited about the future development of this group. We aren’t just building on a championship – we’re building on the lessons, confidence, chemistry, and belief this weekend created. The Championship trophy is the reward. The player’s growth is the real victory.”
Coach Dante Johnson of the State 48 FC Avondale 1011/2012 Boys Black team said “What a start to the season! The team made a big statement in their very first tournament of the season at the Phoenix Rising Cup, finishing as worthy Finalists. The boys battled through the division rounds and finished 3-0 with no goals conceded, earning 1st place in their division and a trip to the finals! Unfortunately, we came up a little short in the championship game – playing with only 13 available players all weekend in the Arizona heat definitely took a toll, but these boys never made excuses. They continued to fight, compete, and give everything they had until the final whistle. The sacrifices, commitment, effort, and willingness to battle for one another were on full display this weekend. This is only the beginning – we’ll continue developing, correcting, learning, and getting stronger together. The potential of this group is exciting, and I truly believe our best soccer is still ahead of us. Proud of this team. Proud of the fight. Proud of the journey!”
Coach Victor Ochoa said “The State 48 FC Northwest 2016/2017 Boys Black team came together for their first tournament and created moments we’ll never forget. From the opening whistle, these boys showed incredible heart, courage, teamwork and resilience. They challenged one another, lifted each other up, and continued to grow with every game. Their hard work carried them all the way to the Phoenix Rising Cup Tournament Championship Final. Although they fell just short of bringing home the trophy, they walked away with something even more meaningful: greater confidence, stronger bonds, valuable experience, and immense pride in what they accomplished together. Across four games, the boys scored an incredible 18 goals, while our keepers made an outstanding 27 saves! Every goal, save, pass and battle reflected the commitment and belief this team is building. They showed that success is not only measured by trophies – it’s also found in the way a team responds, supports one another, and keeps moving forward together. We are so proud of these boys and everything they gave this weekend. This is only the beginning of their journey!”
Coach Frank Alongi said “The State 48 FC Verrado 2018/2019 Girls Black team played in their first tournament at the Phoenix Rising Cup. We played hard and continued to get better against great competition all weekend long. I am very proud of this amazing group of girls!”
Congratulations to all our State 48 FC players and coaches – we are very proud of you! One Family, One Mission!
