RiverWorks Chris Clifford

Baystars FC Soccer: Boys Under-16 Dragons Place 2nd in Nation

by Tina Coleman

The Gloucester Baystars FC Dragons U16 travel soccer team competed in the National Indoor Soccer Championships on February 16 and 17 in Sterling, Virginia.

In their first game, they won 8-5 over the ASA United from Pasadena, Maryland. Posting goals were Adam Gilley, Kyle Nichols, Travis Steele, two by Corey Sindle and Scott Holthaus earned a hat trick with three goals. Making goal assists were Kyle Eppig, Travis Steele, Jordan Clifford, and Corey Sindle. Goalkeeper PJ Abel saved and impressive 25 shots on goal.

The Dragons won their second game 7-4 against the Virginia Arsenal Black from Richmond, Virginia. Adam Gilley and Sayer Fisher scored twice and Corey Sindle posted the second hat trick of the day with three goals. Assists were made by Adam Gilley, Dakota Harris, Travis Steele, Jordan Clifford, and Corey Sindle. Goalkeeper PJ Abel had 6 saves.

In their third game against the Claymores 91 from Chardon, Ohio, the Dragons fell behind 1-4 then rallied back in the last 10 minutes of the game to tie it up 4-4. Goals were scored by Adam Gilley, Sayer Fisher, Travis Steele, and Jordan Clifford. Fisher, Steele, and Clifford also assisted on three goals. Abel had 23 saves.

Two wins and a tie placed the Dragons head to head in the finals against the Central Penn Alliance from New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, the reigning national outdoor soccer champions. The Dragons played hard but were defeated 4-10 giving them 2^nd place in the nation for the Under 16 bracket. Scott Holthaus and Jonas Goins each earned a goal while Corey Sindle scored two. Kyle Nichols assisted on one score. Goalkeeper PJ Abel saved 22 shots on goal.

The players earned medals and a National Indoor Soccer Championship Finalist plaque which they presented to Baystars President Chris Clifford for his hard work and dedication to the Baystars FC organization.