Coach Sean Venesky said “What a weekend for the boys! The State 48 FC 2010 Boys Black (El Mirage) team are the Ostrich Festival Tournament Champions, making it two tournament wins in a row after winning the Desert Super Cup and now going back-to-back at the Ostrich Festival! We recorded victories by the scores of 5-1, 2-0 and 3-1 on our way to the final. The championship game was exactly what a final should be – physical, intense and competitive. The boys stayed composed, trusted the system, and delivered a hard-fought 1–0 victory to secure the title. A huge shoutout to our newest player, Bayron Duarte, who made an immediate impact with 4 goals during the tournament. We also have to recognize two absolute ESPN Top 10 caliber goals this weekend from Sebastian Cano and Israel Cervantes – the kind of moments that remind everyone just how special this group can be. This team continues to grow, compete, and show what it means to play for each other – really proud of these young men!”
Coach Dante Johnson said “The State 48 2012 Boys Elite squad made history at the Ostrich Festival Tournament of Champions, winning the Championship in the premier division with an impressive 4-0 record, conceding just one goal while scoring 14 across four games. This tournament marked a triumphant redemption arc, as three of the teams they faced were opponents they’d never beaten before. The journey began with a hard-fought 1-0 win; the winning goal came courtesy of Stryker Johnson’s decisive strike early in the second half. In the second game, Gael Benitez set the tone with a lightning-fast goal just 10 seconds in, hitting a precise 22 yard shot into the upper corner. The team dominated the match, securing a 9-0 victory, with Damien Avila standing out for his tenacious play and two goals and one assist from the left back position. The semifinal against another previously unbeaten opponent proved just as challenging, but Aiden Puente’s match winning goal sealed a 1-0 win. We won the final with a hard earned 3-1 triumph. Aiden Puente scored twice, including a stunning goal, while Stryker Johnson added an excellent free kick. The outstanding defense was led by goalkeeper Kristopher Armenta, Damien Avila, Ricky De la Rosa, Dylan Sheesley, and Steahl Kappler. As the saying goes, ‘Offense scores points, defense wins championships,’ and this victory was a testament to the team’s rock-solid defensive unit. Great job by the entire team!”
Coach Armando Juarez said “The State 48 FC 2019 Boys Black (North) Scorpions team went undefeated in the Ostrich Festival Tournament of Champions, winning the Championship in style. We won our matches by the scores of 7-1, 3-0 and 4-3 in a challenging final. What a tournament for our talented little giants!”
Overall, it was a fantastic weekend for many State 48 FC teams. The State 48 FC 2016 Gray team won the championship in the Ostrich Festival Tournament of Champions in dominating fashion. We also had an excellent showing at the Inferno Cup Tournament, as the State 48 FC 2018 Black (Verrado) team, the 2014 Boys White (Avondale) team and the State 48 FC 2103 Boys Copper (Avondale) team all won championships. Additionally, the State 48 FC 2018 White (Avondale) team and the State 48 FC 2015 Elite team were tournament Finalists, while the State 48 FC 2016 Black (Verrado) team and the State 48 FC 2012 Girls Black (Avondale) team came in 3rd place in the competition.
Congratulations to all our State 48 FC players and coaches – we are very proud of you! One Family, One Mission!
