OBX Storm 11U Boys Finish in Top 4 at USA Cup in Minnesota

By on July 24, 2023

The OBX Storm 11U Boys battled for the Championship at the USA Cup in Minnesota this past week in their bracket with 16 other teams. OBX Storm was the only team in the International Tournament representing North Carolina.

Thanks to the generous donations and support of the community and several local businesses, the team departed for Minnesota on Monday, July 17. Games began on Tuesday where the team met their first opponent, PIZM Wildcats. The Storm boys allowed their quick passing and sharp shots to win the game 3-0. Goals were scored by Carlos Obregon, Grey Harrell and Silas Warrender. Max Garavito celebrated a clean sheet as keeper.

Wednesday’s game against St. Croix resulted in the team’s first loss, dropping a 2-0 contest. After some recharging, the boys were back on the pitch Thursday to play the third game against Minneapolis United. Needing a win to advance to the quarterfinals, Max Garavito made many sensational saves to preserve the shutout. Quick-footed striker Carlos Obregon scored the game winner with a left shot at the top of the net to lead the team to a 1-0 win.

On Friday morning, OBX Storm began their quarterfinal game against Maplebrook, SC. Edward Estrada, Dylan Quezada, Silas Warrender and double goals for Grey Harrell brought the team a 5-3 victory. Storm advanced to the semifinals in the afternoon on Friday against Jamaica. The game was a bit more defensive, but OBX Storm was successfully breaking their lines and had multiple shots on goal. In the final 5 minutes of the game, Jamaica scored a goal off of a corner kick and the OBX Storm boys were not able to respond before time ran out.

Following the game, the two teams banded together for a joint photo and received many compliments from the coaches and players of the Jamaica team regarding the Storm boys being the most difficult team they have ever played. Storm later tried to arrange for a game against St. Croix to determine the third and fourth place winners, but St. Croix declined a match.

 Much of the team’s success was because of the teamwork and trust amongst the boys. Miles Foubister, Dylan Quezada, Edward Estrada and Misha Goninan were essential as the strong defense in every game. Representing a solid defensive midfield, Jaxen Varnell, Woods Rogers, Carlos Obregon, Levi Sakers and Ryder Dutt passed and moved the ball around the field in order to create opportunities for scoring. The strikers leading the charge and firing shots at the goal were Grey Harrell, Gideon Saunders, Silas Warrender and Zach Munro. Max Garavito was the goalkeeper for all matches and had many difficult saves throughout the tournament.

The camaraderie and experience that OBX Storm was able to enjoy with so many teams throughout the country and the world will never be forgotten. The OBX Storm Club extends their congratulations to the team and to Coach Matt Hart on their very strong performance at the USA Cup.

For more information about OBX Storm and to register for OBX Storm Junior Stars, please visit obxstorm.org and complete the Junior Stars registration or email obxstormbod@gmail.com.

 

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