The Missoula Surf 2010 boys traveled to San Diego, CA for the Surf Nation Champions League tournament and the chance to compete against some of the best teams in the country. Each team only gets one shot at Champions League and these boys were determined to make the best of it. Despite the mild winter in Montana this year, the team was only able to train 1-2 days per week and mostly indoors.
What is Champions League?
The Surf Nation Champions League brings together all 2010 age teams in the U14 age group across 50+ Surf clubs to compete in a tournament, and showcase their talent to be identified for the Surf Select National Team. The event provides the ideal platform to bring teams within the Surf Nation Community to HQ in San Diego to see who is the “best of the best.”
Players compete, games are filmed by Baller TV, and the Surf Select scouts/coaches are identifying, scouting and working closely with evaluators as part of the selection process within the Surf Select player development pathway.
Tournament:
#SurfProud is an understatement to say the least. This team reached a new level of focus, intensity, positivity, and teamwork. They improved with every match and thoroughly deserved the trophy.
Game #1 – defeated Sierra Surf 2-0
Game #2 – defeated Las Vegas Surf 8-1
Game #3 – defeated San Diego Surf 2-0
Championship – defeated East County Surf 4-0
By The Numbers:
Wins = 4
Losses = 0
Draws = 0
Goals Scored = 16 (7 different goal scorers)
Goals Against = 1 (only goal conceded was a PK)
Shutouts = 3.5
Goal Scorers:
John S = 4
Jaxson T = 3
Caden F = 2
Asher P = 2
Owen O = 2
Asher G = 2
Niels H = 1
Memorable Moments: (there are too many to list, but here are some highlights)
- First time on a plane as a team
- 13 of 15 players from Missoula, MT (population 75,000)
- 6 players scored 2 or more goals
- Defeated 4 teams from huge populations, who were not used to losing
- Scoring 7 goals in the 2nd half vs Las Vegas (we asked the team to play no-dribble and let the ball do the work)
- Scoring a “break-the-lines” goal (John) vs East County in the championship
- Xander coming out of the box to clear a ball in the championship
- Caden sliding to save a shot after Xander had come out of the box in the championship
- Asher P clearing a ball of the goal line in the second half of the championship
The 2024 Surf Nation Champions League turned out to be a truly memorable event. This team has achieved something special that they will remember for a long time.
