Spring 2013 Season Review - Four League Titles!

With the Fall 2013 season nearly upon us, I thought I would take the time to reflect on an excellent Spring campaign which saw every player display remarkable improvements and culminated with four of our teams capturing league titles.

The first of these four championships was claimed by our recently formed U12 team in our penultimate game of the season against the previously undefeated and very talented FC Edmonds. With seven of our starters U11s playing up it was always going to be a tough battle against the physically imposing Edmonds players but from the moment the referee blew his whistle our boys showed no sign of their age disparity and fought tooth and nail for every 50/50 ball. Given their superior goal difference, Edmonds only needed a draw to assure them of the title so our guys knew it was win or bust. The solitary goal that would eventually clinch the game and with it the league came from the outstanding Alex M. All season Alex had a knack for arriving at the right moment and following a scramble in the box off a corner, Alex managed to prod the ball past the keeper. Definitely not the prettiest goal ever scored but they all count!  Despite throwing everything at us in the second half, Edmonds couldn't find a way past our back line and the win was secured courtesy of a last ditch tackle in the final minute of the game by man-of-the-match Jake Z.

Seattle Celtic B00 - PSPL U12 Copa League Champions Spring 2013

In their first season together our U9 girls team secured the PSPL title with seven wins and a draw from their eight games. Despite their remarkable record, this one came down to the last game. Taking on the undefeated MVP Rapids, the girls needed a draw to secure first spot. In the early stages things didn't go all our own way and on two occasions we found ourselves behind. Some adjustments to our back line (the colossal Ruby S) to combat their lightning quick striker helped nullify the threat she posed early in the game. Our attacking trio of Ava, Maddy and Jadyn made it look as if they'd been playing together for years rather than months by how they instinctively knew where the other was going to play the ball and by the time the referee had blown his final whistle this trio had combined in some way for nearly all of the twelve goals scored. The Rapids didn't know what hit them! Well done to all the players and hopefully we can take over from where we left off come September!

Seattle Celtic G03- PSPL U8/9 League Champions SPring 2013

Our U8 boys team playing a year up in the U9 division sealed their first of many titles to come with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Emerald City U9 Blue. Without our main attacking threat and top-scorer Ryan S, the much bigger Emerald City team proved to be a tough nut to crack. Following a few near misses, nerves were settled by a cooly taken finish by Ted. The defense, marshaled by Kallen held firm and with minutes remaining it was Kallen himself who arrived late at the back post to slot home superbly and claim the title for his team.

Seattle Celtic B04 - PSPL U9 D3 Champions Spring 2013

Last but not least, our U14 boys coming off a disappointing Fall campaign bounced back in the Spring to claim both league and cup honors. Having won the league early in April, the boys headed to Puyallup to compete in the Washington Cup in the hope of claiming silverware at four straight Washington Cups. 2010 and 2011 had seen the guys capture the WA Gold Cup beating MVP Rapids and ISC Gunners A in the finals respectively. In 2012, the guys caused a massive upset by beating Fall 2012 WSPL Champions Wenatchee Fire in the WA Silver final and so it was with high hopes that the boys set off in their attempt at an unprecedented four in a row. Unfortunate to lose 1-0 to one of the best teams in the state Chelsea Academy in the group stages, the guys ultimately progressed to the Silver division. Chelsea would go on to claim the Gold Cup with all their victory margins healthier than our encounter with them.  

Hard fought wins against Kajumulo FC and Idaho Thunder in the knock-out rounds saw us paired up with Emerald City A in the final. Following our semi final victory we had an opportunity to watch the Emerald City 6-0 victory over the Rapids in the other semi and there was no doubt who the favorites were for the following day. However Coach Dan as always had a plan and felt that with a bit of luck our guys could pull off another characteristic upset. 

These hopes took a severe blow early in the first half with the dismissal of our captain Alex Mejia for his highly-charged dispute with the ref over a questionable call. All looked lost when after going a goal down we lost the services of our other central defender Wolfe and top scorer Miles through injury. Down to ten men with our backs to the wall one would have gotten long odds on anything other than a comfortable victory for Emerald City.  However our boys just wouldn't give up. Miles back on at about 30% fitness managed to sneak one back and as soon as the goal went in the Emerald City players seemed to fear the worst. All the momentum was with the 10 men of Celtic and with five minutes remaining Michael Dalton, in the first final he's been fit for since 2010 popped up in the right place at the right time to scramble the ball over the line. Despite throwing everything at us in the seven minutes of stoppage time the referee allowed at the end, Zac Wuthrich held firm in goal and when the ref's whistle did finally sound the jubilant scenes on the pitch marked what must go down as one of the proudest days in Seattle Celtic's history. Well done to all the guys and here's hoping 2014 sees us make it five-in-a-row!

Seattle Celtic B98- Double Winners Spring 2013

2013 World Cup Champions: Northern Ireland!

On Wednesday March 6th the first of our Seattle Celtic small sided World Cup tournaments took place on the Magnuson Sports Meadow. Six teams were formed from our U11 and U12 teams with the seven players on each team selecting a country to represent. Some opted for the more traditional superpowers of the world's game in Brazil, Spain, Italy and Holland while there were also appearances from the Ivory Coast and a rare World Cup outing from Northern Ireland.

The opening round of games saw victories for Italy and Brazil over Spain and Holland respectively, while the Ivory Coast and Northern Ireland shared three goals apiece with two late goals from the Irish.

Northern Ireland held off a late Brazil fightback in round two to emerge with a 2-1 victory, with Aaron R at the center of everything, scoring the first and setting up Jasper K with a defense-splitting pass that George Best would have been proud of. Italy's draw with Holland saw them go joint top while Spain got their first win of the campaign against the Ivory Coast.

The third round of fixtures witnessed an exciting end to end contest between the Italians and the Ivory Coast that eventually finished 3-3. Northern Ireland piled the misery on Holland with a 3-2 victory that saw the Dutch winless in three while Spain surprised Brazil 2-0, the only team to keep a clean sheet against the physically untouchable Brazilians.

Nic J was the match winner for Brazil in round 4 with two excellently taken goals as well as some clever interplay throughout. Complemented by the tough tackling Jake Z and Andrew S Brazil's victory meant Northern Ireland needed a win to clinch the tournament with a round to spare. Despite a gallant effort from the Spanish, Northern Ireland eventually claimed all three points in a 3-2 win, courtesy of a hat-trick from Aaron, reminiscent of when the sides last met in 2006. In the other game, Holland finally displayed the form that had many tipping them as pre-tournament favorites in a comprehensive 4-1 victory.

With first place assured for the Northern Irish, the fifth and final round of games saw four of the remaining five teams still in the hunt for the silver and bronze medals. The Italians raced to a surprising 3-1 lead before being pegged back in the dying embers of the game with Tim B equalizing at the death for the Irish. Spain went into their clash with Holland knowing a win would assure them of the runners-up spot.  With the game locked at 0-0 and time running out Solomon S clinched the victory for the Dutch with the last kick of the game to claim third place for his team. In the final game, despite a spirited display from the Ivory Coast the Brazilian's ensured the runners-up berth with a 2-1 win.

Well done to all the guys for a hard fought competition that was played in great spirit throughout. Next tournament is due for mid-April!

Player of the Tournament: Aaron R

MVPs: Andrew S, Nic J, Jake Z, Alex M, Jack F

Northern Ireland: Champions
[L-R] Tim B, Jasper K, John C
Matteus J, Austin O'F, Aaron R
Not pictured: Preston T

Brazil: Runners Up
[L-R] Nic J, Jake Z, Andrew S, Chris C
Leo D, Aidan L
Not pictured: Theo B

Holland: Third Place
[L-R] Lucas G, Aidan B, Alex W
James M, Barnesy, Solomon S
Not pictured: Alex M

Spain 
[L-R] Jack F, Miles S, Will C
Tyler C, Joe V, Jake L
Not pictured: Pablo B

Italy
[L-R] Oliver P, David S, Levi H
Aaron X, Quinn B, Ben H

Ivory Coast
[L-R] Matt M, Will J, Nicky D, Felipe A
Nick G, Cooper A

Scores

Italy 2-1 Spain

Brazil 3-1 Holland

Ivory Coast 3-3 Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland 2-1 Brazil

Spain 3-1 Ivory Coast

Italy 1-1 Holland

Northern Ireland 3-2 Holland

Italy 3-3 Ivory Coast

Spain 2-0 Brazil

Brazil 3-0 Italy

Spain 2-3 Northern Ireland

Ivory Coast 1-4 Holland

Holland 1-0 Spain

Brazil 2-1 Ivory Coast

Italy 3-3 Northern Ireland

Goal of the Week: Cooper A

U11 player Cooper A scored this fantastic goal for the U12s at the weekend in their top of the table clash with Edmonds Fury. Down 1-0 at the half, Celtic came out for the second half with all guns blazing. JC was very unlucky not to score when his clever chipped shot just missed the far post with the keeper beaten all ends up. However, five minutes later Cooper would not be denied despite the close attention of four oncoming defenders. Celtic very nearly took all 3 points but nonetheless remain 3 points clear of Fury with just 3 games remaining.

U12s Score Opening Day Victory Over ISC Gunners

Saturday February 9th

ISC Gunners 1-5 Seattle Celtic '00 Black

Goals: David S (2) Jasper K (1) Jack F (1) Chris C/Cooper A (1)

Match Report by David S (U12 Midfielder)

On Saturday, February 9, Seattle Celtic U12 took on the Gunners at Sammamish, WA.  Celtic hammered the opposing team with a beast 5-1 victory.  Although I can't remember the exact order of the goals, I know that David S scored a whopping breakaway, along with Jasper's K's amazing finish after some great build up play (see video above) to get the score up to 2-0 at the half.

To start up the second half, David scored another great breakaway goal with an assist from Cooper A.  Shortly after, Jack F slammed the ball into the back of the net from outside the box!  Cooper A finished off the last goal, with Chris C there to make sure it went it with a boom!

This newly formed team looks forward to their next opponent!

Goal of the Game: Jack F

Man of the Match: Jasper K

U14 White Valiant In Defeat

Saturday February 9th

Northwest United White 2

Seattle Celtic '98 White  1

Goal: Powell W

Match Report by Liam S (U14 Midfielder)

The game started out with a strong defense that held out all the way to the second half, with a score of 0-0.  Celtic had possession 60% of the time, holding the opposition to their defensive side of the field.  The passes were solid, and we were spread out.  One problem I noticed, was that the spacing created gaps in the mid-field, which I felt could have been filled in more with the defense. Even though we had great speed and smart playing in the defensive line, it was too flat at points when the wingers needed an output and when the opposition was rapidly approaching, causing slight confusion upon shape. Part of this (I believe), was caused by over-committing to the ball. I felt we had a few chances to score in the first half  but the ball just didn't find the net.

The second half started with a goal for United that took place right outside the 18.  We came back when Powell made an amazing goal off of a free kick, tying up the score 1-1.  United's touch came alive, and they started using their star player #6 more often, creating dangerous runs down the line, which then resulted in another goal for United, with only 10 minutes remaining.

With an unsuccessful comeback, the score stayed 2-1 in favor of United.  The outstanding players of the match were Powell, for his outstanding goal, and Tillman G. for great, consistent goal-keeping throughout the match.

Goal of the Match: Powell W (30 yard free kick into the upper v)

Man of the Match: Tillman G

Seattle Celtic Fall 2012 Goal of the Season - #10 David

Date: November 10 2012

Home Team: Cascade Green    (1)                                                              

Away Team: Seattle Celtic '01   (4)

Congratulations to U11 player David S for winning the Seattle Celtic Goal of the Season competition for Fall 2012. David finished the season as top scorer with a very impressive 18 goals in nine games. While David scored some fantastic goals over the course of the season this was surely the best of them all. Here's what coach Danny Brill had to say on the strike:

"The team had the run of play the entire first half. Cooper had a tidy finish already but we couldn't crack the code otherwise. I remember Joe played a ball upfield that the defense cleared into the path of David who kept his eye on the ball and proceeded to volley the ball into the upper V from about 30 yards. It was quite an attempt for anyone, I could only laugh really and tip my cap! I think that's how everybody felt when it went in, a fantastic shot by a phenomenal player!"

Jan/Feb 2013 Practice Schedule

Our provisional practice schedule for January and February 2013 has been set.

Regular twice a week team practices for U11 and above will recommence on January 28th. Prior to this,  teams will have one practice a week beginning the week of January 14th as we work to finalize team placement ahead of the opening weekend of games (Feb 9/10). These practices will also serve as an opportunity for any players who missed our December tryouts to come along and see if the team is a good fit for them.

Our development teams (U8-U10) will begin regular twice a week practices the week of February 11th. They will also have one practice the week before where new recruits will receive their uniforms for the coming season and potential new recruits will have a chance to check things out.

• Practice days will remain Monday/Wednesday for the U11, U12 and U14s.
• Tuesday/Thursday for U9/U10 boys  
• Monday/Wednesday for U9 Girls

Schedule is as follows:

U11/U12 

January
Wed 16th         5-6:30pm      Lower Woodland 7
Fri 25th            5-6:30pm      Lower Woodland 7
Mon 28th         4:15-5:45      Magnuson 5
Wed 30th         4:15-5:45      Lower Woodland 2

February
Mon 4th           5-6:30pm      Lower Woodland 7
Wed 6th           4:15-5:45      Lower Woodland 2
Mon 11th         5-6.30pm      Lower Woodland 7

Wed 13th         4:15-5:45      Magnuson 5

Mon 18th         5-6.30pm      Lower Woodland 7

Wed 20th         4:15-5:45      Magnuson 5

Mon 25th         5-6.30pm      Ingraham South

Wed 27th         4:15-5:45      Magnuson 5

U14s

January

Mon 14th         5-6:30pm      Magnuson 5

Thu  24th         5-6:30pm      Magnuson 7

Mon 28th         5:45-7:15      Magnuson 5

Wed 30th         5:45-7:15      Lower Woodland 2

February

Mon 4th           6:30-8pm      Lower Woodland 7

Wed 6th           5:45-7:15      Lower Woodland 2

Mon 11th         6.30-8pm      Lower Woodland 7

Wed 13th         5:45-7:15      Magnuson 5

Mon 18th         5-6.30pm      Lower Woodland 7

Wed 20th         5:45-7:15      Magnuson 5

Mon 25th         6.30-8pm      Ingraham South

Wed 27th         5:45-7:15      Magnuson 5

U9/U10 Boys (both unless otherwise stated)

February

Tue 5th           5-6:30pm      Magnuson 7    (U9s )

Thu 7th           5-6:30pm      Magnuson 7    (U10s)   

Tue 12th         4:45-6:15      Magnuson 6  

Thu 14th         5-6:30pm      Magnuson 7

Tue 19th         5-6:30pm      Magnuson 6

Thu 21st         5-6:30pm      Magnuson 7

Tue 26th         5-6:30pm      Magnuson 6

Thu 28th         5-6:30pm      Magnuson 7

U9 Girls

February

Tue 5th            5-6:30pm      Magnuson 7

Mon 11th         6.30-8pm      Lower Woodland 7

Wed 13th         5:45-7:15      Magnuson 5

Mon 18th         5-6.30pm      Lower Woodland 7

Wed 20th         5:45-7:15      Magnuson 5

Mon 25th         6.30-8pm      Ingraham South

Wed 27th         5:45-7:15      Magnuson 5

Schedule for March/April will be posted in the coming weeks.