The Boys Session of the Utah State Cup Championships ended this weekend in dramatic fashion. A variety of great goals, saves, defensive plays, player combinations, team unity, and fantastic matches were made and played in Orem at Lakeside Park this past Saturday November 3, 2007. The competition began with 112 total team participants across age groups U-11 to U18 and was dwindled down to the final two teams for each age group over a 2-week period. Every final match marked what a true final should be, the two hottest sides playing very closely contested games. Of the eight matches played, three were decided on penalty kicks; two decided in overtime, two more were decided by one goal. The remaining matches needed the fading moments to seal victory for each winning side.

History was made for several teams and clubs, for others it was a whole new experience to be in the tournament. La Roca - AO won the tournament for an impressive 3rd time. Utah Rush Nike 94 and Rampage CC became first-time winners of the tournament for both team and club. Coach Craig Charlesworth of Rampage said, "The tournament was run well and the officiating was great. We are happy to be a part of something so special. The other teams and players showed great sportsmanship and it was a great experience all the way around."

Sportsmanship and support was evident. After some of the earlier matches were done many players, parents, coaches, and fans stuck around to see the other matches. Some players played through injuries and showed their love for their friends, their teammates, their clubs, and most importantly for their individual love for the game. According to coach Spencer Bills of Sparta Blue 97 and first time winner/participant "It didn't matter what position was played or how many goals they got. It was a team effort. We did the little things throughout the tournament to help win the games. Every player was an important part of the final result."

The winning sides were (click on team name for match recap): U-11--Sparta 97 Blue coached by Spencer Bills, U-12 - Sparta 96 Premier Blue coached by Justus Koelliker, U-13 - Rampage CC coached by Craig Charlesworth, U-14 - Utah Rush Nike 94 coached by Eric Landon, U-15 - Sparta 93 Premier coached by Patrick Rennie, U-16 - La Roca - DP coached by Danny Parkhurst, U-17 - Impact Black coached by Connie Martin, and U-18 - La Roca - AO coached by Adolfo Ovalle. Utah Youth Soccer Association would like say Mahalo (thank you) to our official State Cup sponsor, Sonic Drive Ins, as well as all participants, parents, coaches, referees, sponsors, and committee members who were involved directly or indirectly with the 2008 boys installment of State Cup. It was truly a success. Let's all support our Utah Boys by wishing them luck this year at the Far Western Regionals in Hawaii. Aloha!