- April 25, 2024
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In all, 77 teams brought their soccer talents to Palm Coast Oct. 8 and Oct. 9, at the Indian Trails Sports Complex.
The conditions were like that of London, where some of the best football clubs in the world play. Rainy, dreary, cooler temperatures.
But it was here, in Palm Coast, where players between the ages of 9 and 18 scattered across eight soccer fields and battled for a first-place trophy.
It was the Lotto Invitational, hosted by FC United.
Reg Monsanto, tournament director, said the extra four fields the city recently completed helped fill the demand.
The final team count was 77, Monsanto said, which was double the total from last year’s tournament. FC United, in partnership with the city of Palm Coast, hopes to host five tournaments in 2012.
“City staff and the local community were very supportive,” Monsanto said, adding that players, parents and coaches were patient despite the frequent downpours and windy Saturday and Sunday.
Monsanto said most other tournaments last weekend were canceled, but not the Lotto Invitational.
“That says a lot about the resolve of the FC United staff and the collective will of those attending,” Monsanto said. “That, or we were just crazy.”
Locally, the U12 girls FC United Black team and the U13 girls FC United Black team won first place.
Pete Hald’s U13 girls team won the tournament, going a perfect 4-0 during the two days and not allowing a goal.
Three other local teams made it to the finals.
LOCAL HEROES
Champions:
U12 Girls FC United Black, coached by Adam Allee
U13 Girls FC United Black, coached by Pete Hald
Finalists:
U9 Boys FC United Black, coached by Jeff Branch and Josh Braun
U13 Boys FC United Black, coached by Jeff Branch
U17 Boys FC United Black, coached by Reg Monsanto and Jacobi Goodfellow
