On July 30, 2009, Pompano Beach Football Club (PBFC) sent five teams to the 2009 National Championships at the Wide World of Sports complex, in Orlando, Florida. All Hammerheads teams qualified for this tournament, but only five attended. The U12 Girls Sunwaves, two Hammerheads U16 boys teams, a U18 Hammerhead boys and the over 30 Hammherheads.

Pool play began on Friday, July 31, 2009, with the Sunwaves, soon to be the Mako’s, K. Stafford, M. Fehl, K. Bejlovec, D. Stuart, S. Baron and B. Lett. In their first game they lost to the Deltona Wildcats 0-5. With more experience, in the second game, they found their “mojo” and beat NFM Knights 2-1. On Saturday, they defeated the Scorpions 2-1 and had the best record they have ever had at a tournament. In their next game they destroyed the Chaos 12-0. Unfortunately, there were 3 teams in 4th place and in head to head competition, the Sunwaves were 5th. The girls worked so hard, being 3-1 and not advancing. A great tournament and getting ready for Worlds.

Pool play for the Hammerheads U16 “2”, began on Friday, July 31, 2009, with: A. Green, B. Chery, D. Jaramillo, J. Viotto and B. Sanchez. They began play against the Badgers, who they beat 6-2, followed by a loss to the Georgia Fire 2-8. On Saturday played and lost to the Strikers 0-4. The record put them in 3rd for their bracket.

In the worst case scenario, both U16 teams were set to play each other in the quarter finals. At the conclusion of a hard fought game, Hammerheads “1” defeated Hammerheads “2”, 7-1. This loss put the Hammerheads “2” out of the tournament, but qualified for the World Championships.

In the semi-final game, the Hammerheads defeated the Strikers 4-3, moving them into their first final in a major tournament. The final was a very tough, grueling game, the Hammerheads dominated play but after striking several posts the Hammerheads lost to the Blue Devils 2-1. With class the Hammerheads are 2nd for the 2008-2009 3v3 National Championship.

The 1991 boy’s team, A. Green, K. Waiante, J. Sell, M. Lopez, B. Vidal and R. Hightower (injured with a torn ACL and unable to play), opened their tournament against the Valdosta Soccer Group U17 and soundly defeated them 6-1. In their next game against the Valdosta Soccer Group U18, they tied 3-3. On Saturday they defeated the Buhdogs 5-3 and rounded out pool play losing 3-4 to the United U17 team. In the semi-final the Hammerheads faced the Buhdogs and lost 4-3. This was another game where the referees inability to call a game evenly affected the final outcome of the game. In the consolation match, the boy’s beat ACR Raiders to claim third place. Another successful tournament.

All teams are commended for their play and sportsmanship. PBFC is proud of all players and appreciates the assistance and support from all the families that support us.

If you are interested in trying out and playing the Hammerheads, you can email us at PBFC2007@AOL.COM                                                  

Until next time…………………………..stay out of the water.