Mixed results for Ballaz Academy on day one of Springs Holiday Cup
FLORIDA, United States — Ballaz Academy experienced mixed results on day one of the Springs Holiday Cup in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Saturday as two of the four teams won both their games, while the other two teams won one but lost the other.
On a cold, wet Saturday morning, the Under-13 team failed to get going and went down 0-2 to Parkland Soccer Club but rebounded to win 2-0 against Boynton United FC later in the afternoon in warmer conditions. Christopher Reid scored in the first half while Richard Clarke scored with virtually the last kick of the match to help improve their goal difference.
The Under-11 team suffered a similar fate as they too struggled in the cold morning conditions and went down 0-1 to Team Boca but ended their day with a 1-0 win over Parkland Soccer Club courtesy of a goal from Nathan Royal.
As the day grew warmer, the results got better for Ballaz.
The Under-12 team went two from two with dominant displays against Strikers Miami FC and Springs Soccer Club.
Led by a brace from captain Jude Davis, Ballaz beat Strikers Miami 4-1 in their mid-morning game. Jacob Smith and Orique Gordon got the other goals. They also beat the host Springs Soccer Club 3-1 with Malik Campbell, Jaden Virtue and Davis getting the goals.
The Under-10 team made a real statement of intent as they recorded consecutive 4-1 wins.
After waiting until 2:15 pm to take the field of play, Cahvanie White scored a brace while Braden Burkett and Makiri D’Aguilar got the other goals in the victory over Strikers Miami FC.
In the late game, the youngest Ballaz team were surprised by Cooper City Optimist Cobras, who stung them early in the game to go 1-0 up. They rebounded to draw level through Kirk Holgate before a second brace of the day by White and another from D’Aguilar ensured the win and secured their spot at the top of their group.
Cahvanie White was the top scorer for Ballaz on day one with four goals.
The Under-10 team need a win over Galacticos Soccer Academy in their final group game on Sunday to clinch a spot in the final, while the U-11 and the U-13 teams need big wins against Springs Soccer Club and Prime FC Elite to make it through to their respective finals.
The U-12s will have to play a semifinal game to make it through to the final. They will know their opponents on Sunday.
