During the weekend of March 28 & 29, a soccer event occurred with an incredible outcome. The U15 Sebastian Soccer Team consisting of 11 players that will attend Sebastian River and 5 players that will attend Vero Beach or St. Edwards High Schools in the Fall 2009; came together to record one of the greatest moments in local area history.
They won the Presidents Cup State Championship
What started out to be a tough loss against a fantastic Creeks Clash team (2 - 1) in the Championship game of the Region B Final Four in Ocala, became a blessing in disguise from their team and coaches Rick O'Connor and Mark Leininger.
Since the Jacksonville team (Creeks Clash) was unable to make the trip to the State Final Four due to Spring Break absences from a group of players, the offer was extended to the 2 nd place team - Sebastian. Sebastian gladly accepted the offer and the opportunity to represent the Region at State. With well wishes in hand and comments from the coaches that "Sebastian is the classiest team we have ever played against", Sebastian set out to perform in honor of both teams.
With the challenge and big shoes to fill, Sebastian was matched against a powerful team from Miami - Miami Strike Force - who advanced through the tough South Florida Region.
The playing field in Merritt Island (home of Central Brevard Soccer) was in perfect condition but the wind was a large factor. The teams battled for 80 minutes without a score and Sebastian chose the wind in the first of two ten minute overtime periods.
For 7 minutes, opportunities came and went and then it happened - a Sebastian hand ball in the penalty box. It was like the air was flushed from the field and the Sebastian players were gasping for hope while the fans and players from Miami were counting their victory.
The Miami player lined up for the penalty kick and after the "ready" confirmation from the Sebastian goal keeper, the referee blew the whistle. What occurred over the next 7 - 8 seconds is what dreams and movies are made of.
The Sebastian goal keeper - Aaron Ruiz - anticipated the direction of the shot and with a dive, a save, three quick steps and a punt beyond mid field, the emotional swing went from devastation by Sebastian to complete exhilaration when the ball landed, bounced over the head of the last defender, was chested to the ground by a sprinting Jesus (Chuy) Pena and chipped over the head of the Miami goal keeper.
In a few short seconds, victory was snatched from the jaws of defeat and Sebastian went into a prevent 4 - 5 - 1 defense and ran out the clock for the most spectacular win everyone in attendance would ever admit to witnessing.
Knowing the Miami game really could not be topped, Sebastian began preparing for the next game against IMG Academy on Sunday. IMG is another powerhouse team coming from the Bradenton area that defeated Bay United from Panama City 6 - 0 in the Semi-Final match. IMG is an Olympic Development Academy churning out players such as Tim Howard (Goal Keeper) and Damarcus Beasley (Striker) for the US National Team.
The game was played very evenly for the first 68 minutes with both teams having limited scoring opportunities. Then it happened, a beautiful through ball to the right corner of the penalty box and a speedy striker - Danny Hurtado - ripped the ball past the goal keeper for a 1 - 0 lead. Immediately, the coaches, players, parents and fans erupted from their seats with screams of joy. Right away, the Sebastian coaches quickly focused the team and changed the lineup into a 4 - 5 - 1 to allow the team to run out the clock and preserve the victory. A couple more scoring opportunities came about with no goals and the time expired with Sebastian capturing the unlikely state crown with a 1 - 0 score.
The joy pouring from the sidelines was so emotional that there were many tears, high fives, knuckle bumps and a multitude of hugs that would make anyone and everyone smile. This was a moment that will live on in the memories of all of those individuals at that field for many many years to come.
After each of the victories, a strange situation occurred. The coaches asked "just where exactly is Sebastian, we have never heard of it?" After a brief explanation, some head nodding and chuckling, they NOW KNOW where Sebastian is located and it will be forever etched in their minds. The quiet little fishing village of Sebastian has created a lasting impression with a club of 300 or so soccer players, including three competitive teams to emerge victorious against populated cities dwarfing this tiny county.
The sensational play and defensive effort shutting out the scoring power of these elite teams was bolstered by Aaron Ruiz (GK), Ricky Gamboa (Sweeper), Scott Cairns (Left Defender), Matt Magrane (Right Defender), Tyler Helms (Stopper); Ryan Henderson, Noe Hurtado, Jesus Pena, Arcadio Salazar, Taylor Zilz, Sasha Benincasa and Evan Kalish (Midfielders); and Daniel Hurtado, Adan Pena and Rhys Lewis (Strikers). Unable to play due to injury was (GK) William Hoelke.
This incredible weekend has extended the season for Sebastian as they advanced to the Region III Presidents Cup being held June 13 - 15 in Greer, South Carolina. The State Champions from 11 states (with two coming from Texas) will gather to determine the top four teams that will move on to play in the National Championships in July.
This experience is a once in a lifetime opportunity for these players to carry the Sebastian and Indian River County banner to the next level. In an effort to support the players advancement, the team is seeking sponsors for donations to make this continued dream a reality. If you are interested in sponsoring (no matter what size donation), please contact Bion Henderson @ 321-258-4220 or 772-589-8869. All donations and proceeds from individuals and events in support of this team will be used solely and specifically to fund the travel and expenses of the players.
The team thanks the community businesses and individuals in advance for consideration.