BORP's Power Soccer Teams Excel at the Western Regional Championships
On March 6-8, BORP''s power soccer teams, the Crushers and the Bay Earthquakes competed at the USPSA Western Regional Power Soccer Championships in San Jose. The Crushers finished in 2nd place and the Bay Earthquakes won the Western Region Championship! At last year's Regionals the Crushers took 3rd in Division 2 while the Bay Earthquakes came in 2nd. This year both teams improved on last year's finish and qualified for the National Championships as well.
In Division 2, the Crushers got off to a great start with a 1-0 victory over tournament favorite, the Newark Hot Rodders. Building on that win, the Crushers put together a string of solid performances throughout group play and their undefeated record put them in the semifinals against long time rivals San Jose Express. Combining a stifling defense and aggressive offense the Crushers beat San Jose 7-1 and advanced to the championship game against Newark. After the first round loss to BORP, Newark had showed their pre-tournament form with dominating wins over San Jose and Arizona. With both teams in top defensive form the first half ended 0-0. In the second half Newark managed a 1-0 lead but BORP answered with a break-away goal by Emile Perry to tie the game. Unfortunately the Newarks managed a tie-breaking goal late in the half to take a 2-1 advantage and they closed out the win as their defense thwarted the Crushers valiant efforts to equalize. While the ending was not as hoped, the Crushers 4-1 tournament record and 2nd Place at regionals is a wonderful result. BORP is especially proud of Crusher Ian Kinmont who was named Tournament Division 2 Co-MVP.
In Division 1 San Jose Steamrollers were the clear favorite with an undefeated record this season and the home court advantage. The D1 bracket was rounded out by BORP, Arizona, Hollister, Santa Barbara and Glendale. The BORP Bay Earthquakes got off to a slow start, managing only a 1-1 tie against Santa Barbara on Friday night. In Division 1 teams needed to finish in the top 2 in pool play to make the title game so this result put the pressure on BORP to raise their game for Saturday. Raise their game they did, with shutouts of Arizona 1-0 and Glendale 3-0 and a tight 1-0 loss to San Jose. With a 2-1-1 record the Bay Earthquakes needed a victory against Hollister on Sunday morning to assure a spot in the first place game. The Bay Earthquakes left the result in no doubt as they rolled to a 4-0 victory and a reprise of last year's regional final with undefeated San Jose. In the championship game, BORP was aggressive from the start and 2 corner kicks led to an early 1-0 advantage as Brandon Johnson converted a rebound off the San Jose keeper after sharp passes from Jessica Lehman and Kendra Scalia put the defense out of position. From that point on San Jose pressed a furious attack keeping the ball in BORP's end while BORP's defense dug in and frustrated every San Jose stratagem. It seemed that there was no way that the Bay Earthquakes would be able to make the one goal stand up to the onslaught but the minutes ticked slooowly by and BORP's determination never faltered. With barely a minute on the clock San Jose managed a great opportunity and a shot that seemed destined for a goal but Earthquake Anh Nguyen cleared the ball inches from the line and preserved the 1-0 win. Congratulations to the Bay Earthquakes, USPSA Western Regional Division 1 Champions!
Thanks to BORP and all the coaches, staff, friends, fans and family members for their awesome support. Thanks to the City of San Jose, San Jose State, Far West Wheelchair Sports and all the sponsors, volunteers and organizers for putting on such a great event. Thanks to all the athletes and all the teams for the wonderful competition and camaraderie.