Crushing to State

"It was an early morning," says Daniel Forman, player for one of the Florida Crushers U-11 team. He was referring to the 3v3 tournament hosted at Brian Piccolo Park, by the Pompano Beach Hammerheads Soccer Club. This was the first time that all of the Crusher teams were together at one event. There was a U-6 team that got fourth in its division, a U-7 team that got second, two U-11 teams, one of which came in third, and the open team that won its division.

One U-11 player said, "It was a long day and we didn't do so good.” What he meant by that was that the team lost its first two games and tied the third. Then it met the other Crusher U-11 team who forfeited the game, giving them their first win. After losing the next game 10-0, they won another forfeit, and the U-11 team is qualified for the national championship at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex.

Some of the players said, “It’s an answer to prayer!” Others said, “It’s a miracle!” And yes, it was all of that and more.

The open team dominated their opponents, except the host Hammerheads, who won the fourth game by one goal. The Crushers met that same team in the Final and beta them 4-3 in a very exciting match. The reason that rivalry was so strong was because at least three of the Crusher open teams once played for the Hammerheads. As Coach Ralph, who played for the open team said, "I played to go to Disney!" So did they all. It was a great day for everyone: Players, coaches, and their families. They are looking forward to the next national qualifier this May in Miramar. 

We are going to the Nationals in August at Disney!!!!

       GO CRUSHERS!!!!!!!    

Florida Crushers Team  - 3v3 Tournament at Brian Piccolo Park

2nd Place Qualification

Florida Crushers Team  - 3v3 Tournament at Brian Piccolo Park

2nd Place Qualification

Florida Crushers Team  - 3v3 Tournament at Brian Piccolo Park

3rd Place Qualification

Florida Crushers Team - 3v3 Tournament at Brian Piccolo Park

4th Place Qualification

CALLING ALL CRUSHER'S FANS!

Bring your Vuvuzellas, Horns, Flags and come to support our crusher's teams as the play in this saturday's 4th annual Pompano Beach Hammerheads 3v3 Challenge! This one day saturday tournament on March 17, 2012, will be AWESOME and FUN! The event will be held at: Brian Piccolo Park, 9501 Sheridan Street, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024 and is hosted by the PBFC Hammerheads.

Come and support our Crushers teams as they take on the challenge of the tournament!   

The Incredible Kaka

Known as one of the most vibrant brazillian soccer players, 30 year old Ricardo, a.k.a. Kaka, has stunned the world with his talent and skill. He has won numerous soccer honors like the Fifa World Player of the Year award, the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year, and the Fifa Club World cup Golden Ball to name a few. He was offered  a 231 million dollar transfer bid to Manchester City, which he turned down for Real Madrid.   

Being born into a middle class family in Brasilia, Brazil on April 22, 1982, Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite began his career with Sao Paulo at the age of eight. Unable to say his older brother's name, Rodrigo, gave Kaka his name.This young boy, who was so good in the youth ranks, signed a contract at age fifteen. Kaka acheived double figures in the two seasons following his debut at eighteen and was soon attracting interest from the world. At only nineteen, AC Milan won the race to catch Kaka for his signature.


Possessed with beautiful balance, a defense splitting pass, and superb close control, Kaka became Serie A's marquee player in his six years at San Siro. 


He has stunned audiences around the globe with his poise and ability to control the game. However Kaka is not just a world class soccer player, he is also a father and a husband, to his wife Caroline and two daughters, Luca and Isabella. He is also a devout follower of Christ which reflects in his playing.

Here are just a few videos to show his skills and goals.

THE BEEEAACCHH!!!!!!!!!

It was beautiful, sunny, bright, the water was perfect, and it was a Saturday... it was an AWESOME beach practice. A lot of kids came, ready, with their swimsuits and crusher's outfits on.
At practice, we focused on tipping the ball up and then moved on to hitting the ball with your head and chest. Daniel was throwing ball for Luca to head and was screaming, "Head it like you mean it!" It taught us control and thought. All of the kids were great! After doing many drills and having fun, we all raced towards the water, where we excitedly jumped in. It was cold, but nice since we were sweaty. It was SO much fun! Laughing and screaming in the water, the boys splashed each other as the practice ended. Throughout the entire practice, Coach Marcio had told all of the boys, "See? You can do it! You are getting better, much better!"
                                     
                                                    Learning, and getting better...

                                

The boys in John's group were so SILLY!

After, they all raced towards the water!

Uma prática incrível (An awesome practice)

"I want more you guys, give me more!"
If you go to a Wednesday practice this is what you might hear coming from Coach Marcio.
During practice, we trained and did drills so that we might improve our skill in futesol. Coach Marcio says, "Don't be shy to mess  up. Practice is all about getting better. You are always will be improving." Many of the drills helped us to concentrate without always looking at the ball, hitting the ball with the outside of our foot while running around cones, and following our passes. John said, "Practice was about passing, A LOT of passing!"

A Last Victory

Today was the last game that the Crushers will play in the Holiday Park Rec League for this season. The Crushers have enjoyed getting to work with new players and have chances to play other teams every week.

The Chargers vs. Crushers game started with the sounding of the ref's whistle. About ten minutes into the game Daniel scored the first goal. He swiftly dribbled through four guys and left footed the ball into the bottom right corner. It was an great goal. About five minutes later Daniel scored another goal about twenty yards out. He three-toed the ball and it soared right over the goalie and into the goal. The crowd was ecstatic!

Half Time!  Coach Marcio talked to the team about what they were doing right and what they were doing wrong. The players lined back up and the second half of the game started. The team fought hard. One corner kick was kicked and the ball rolled to Sebastian who nailed the ball right into a player on the other team which then bounced into the goal. The awesome mom's and dad's went wild. The game played on.

Fifteen minutes before the game ended, Luca had possession of the ball. From the left side he curved the ball over to the right side of the goal - making the score Crushers 4, Chargers 0. Five minutes before the game ended, the Charger's made a slight comeback. Their team was bunched up in front of our goal and one of their players was able to make a chip right over Collin and into the left side of goal. Despite this setback the Crushers still won their final game with a decisive 4-1 ending score.

The team played amazing. After the game, Coach John said, "This was one of their best games." This team of hardworking boys have played their best throughout this soccer season. Their perseverance and their attitudes were great whether they lost or won. What a great way to end this part of the year; with a final win, another chance to improve and another opportunity to play the game we love.

Way to go Crushers!

                                     Coach Marcio talking to the team during half time

                                                           Warming up together