Last weekend was a busy but productive one for Darlington School Soccer Academy with the U19 Girls and Boys teams competing in their final events of the season in two different states.
The girls played in the AFC Adidas Elite Showcase in Atlanta. First, they defeated Gulf Coast Texans East (Fla.) 3-0 with goals by Mimi Sarkodie, Erin Bonner and Lauren Scott. Their second game ended with a 1-1 tie with Eagan Wave Premier (Minn.) with the single goal scored by Cat Jorgensen.
"The girls went into this event with the attitude to finish the year with a bang. I was very proud of the way they played and the effort they put into each match," said Jamey Newsom, assistant director of Darlington School Soccer Academy. "I was especially proud of our seniors, Michelle Cole and Cat Jorgensen. They both were terrific this weekend. Our two other seniors, Jalisa Kassam and Alex Zegarra, were dealing with injuries but have both had terrific careers with the Soccer Academy. Each of our seniors will be sorely missed."
The boys played in the Gulf Coast Invitational in Pensacola, Fla., emerging as tournament champions. First, they defeated the Tornados FC (La.) 11-0 with four goals each by Rizwaan Dharsey and Noah Teplitzky and singles by Sam Berry, T.J. Mosko, and Matt Capozzoli. Then, they defeated QCFC Urban Eagles 4-1 with two goals by Emilio Abarca and one goal each by Dharsey and Teplitzky. Last, they defeated Mississippi Flood FC 4-0 with goals by Teplitzky, Dharsey and two by Michael Pugh.
"Traveling to the beach was a fun way to finish the year off for the boys," said Kevin Ray, director of operations for Darlington School Soccer Academy. "They were excited to play and handled themselves with class and came home champions. I couldn't ask for a better way to finish the year than to come home with another trophy."
