As the fall season kicks off the U10 Boys have had three successful weekends of soccer culminating in a championship win at the Bay challenge Cup. They opened the season on the road and played to a dominating 8-0 first win against Fairview Park. In week 2, long grass and no referee contributed to clunky and at times low-energy play. Columbia Station gave them troubles intermittently but the 2nd road win ended 3-0.

Week 3, while the league was on break, the U 10’s competed in the Bay Challenge Cup. Seeded in the White division (Tier 2 of 3) they were scheduled for 3 games of group play. Game 1 was a commanding win over Bay Village 7-3. Game 2 came after a 3-hour, sun-filled afternoon break which included the boys fishing, BBQ’ing and playing yard games -including tackle football! NOSO Orange, also coming off a morning win, was the challenger. At halftime BDU was down 2 - 1. Adjustments were needed, but they didn’t come to fruition in the last 25 minutes and NOSO handled them earning a 5-1 win. The winner of Game 3 on Day 2 would advance to the division final. The Olmsted Falls Bulldogs team was both feisty and talented. BDU’s maturity and physical play powered them through to a 3 -1 win and a spot in White Division final.

The final was a rematch with NOSO Orange (3-0 in tournament play). Unlike in the first game, the adjustments that were requested were executed from the start of the match. Although it was tied in the first half 1-1, BDU held the advantage in possession, shot attempts and corners. Players were asked to stick with the game plan and leave it all on the field. Regulation time ended 2 - 2 and the game would be decided by FIFA penalty kicks in favor of BDU after 7 kicks. It was gorgeous weather all weekend and in addition to a thrilling win in the Final, it was clear the team built up it’s chemistry and cohesiveness. At 5-1 on the season the team is looking forward to it’s 1st home game at Elmwood Park, Field 2, on Sunday, September 7 at 1 PM. It’s a free event.

We were fairly well matched-up with Avon and played a strong 1st half that gave us a 3-2 advantage.  In the 2nd half we became disorganized and fell out of formation.  They were able to score a few easy goals on a porous defense.  They were more epxerienced and that showed as the game wore on.  Our Riyann was our Player of the Game for his versatility in multiple positions and strong play for a full 50 minutes,  

We knew this was going to be a touch matchup as Firelands was 3-0.  We wanted to start the game hot but came out sluggish - maybe their size was a factor?  Firelands scored some early goals and it showed they had some quality forwards.  We played better later in the 1st half and at halftime we made some adjustments.  Our 2nd half was strong and we connect passes, kept possession and created multiple goal scoring chances.  Final was Indy 1 and Firelands 6.

Ronan and Cam were our Players of the Game.  Ronan scored the lone goal but was the spark we needed to be more offensive in the 2nd half.  Cam was positioned all over the field against Firelands from defense to forward and was able to adjust to each position and be effective.