The weekend (11/22/2008) started out with checking the team in at Richmond Indoor Soccer Experience (RISE) Friday night and then checking into the Hotel. As more and more team members checked into the hotel, you could feel the excitement and the potential for a fun weekend build. There was plenty of talk about preparation for the opponent, the cold weather conditions, and how the hot tub would help after the games. Saturn started strong in spite of the 20 something degree weather (hot chocolate and hand warmers help). The offense was working well with Danny Gerowitz scoring the first goal in 40 seconds. Gerowitz and James Lawrence both scored twice in the first half. In the second half, Cameron Lancaster and Cenk Baykal each added a goal to the total. The defense was up to the task and hungry for a shutout, our Guest goalie Scott Levy really took command of the defense and developed a quick comradory with Timothy Holtzhauser, Jordan Jones and Jarid Slopek as well as his season teammate Zack Hill. They pulled off the shutout and the midfield (Jake Hyman, Vincent Arcuri and Thomas Jackson) owned the ball. The six to zero score vs the MYSL(Midlothian Youth Soccer League) Heat was a statement of how well things came together. Our second game vs the Hopewell Wahoo Thunder was a little warmer and the offense was functioning well again with James Lawrence scoring twice, and Arthur Vernooij, Cenk Baykal, Kyle Michalak and Juan (Kike) Galvan each scoring once, final was six to two. There was a great team dinner at Golden Corral and then back at the hotel some time in the pool plus a good night's rest to get ready for the Sunday games.
Sunday started out with a team breakfast at International House of Pancakes to prepare us for the first game against the toughest competition (MYSL Flames) and we survived a zero to zero tie. After the tournament officials added up the points, Saturn was tied with MYSL Flames so we played them again for the championship match at 2:00 PM. The score was tied at the end of regulation (1-1) causing us to play twenty minutes of overtime (two ten minute halves). At the half of over time, the score was still tied at one to one. Coach Bill kept the team appropriately configured and fresh legs where needed via substitutions. When there was about three minutes left Cenk Baykal finished hard past an extremely effective goalie. Saturn reconfigured to pull a forward back to midfield and held on for a two to one victory. Everyone was tired but extremely happy about the entire event and ready to attend the official ceremony and get back to the Raleigh area. The players voted and gave Cenk Baykal the tournament MVP trophy and coach Bernard awarded Jake Hyman for his determination and center midfield execution. Coach Chris awarded Scott Levy for his efforts and great team character.
