Las Vegas Thanksgiving Classic BU16 Champions
Escondido FC Heat BU16 team are the Champions of the 2014 Las Vegas Thanksgiving Classic. The Las Vegas Thanksgiving Classic is open for boys and girls teams U11 – U19 and is known as a tough youth soccer tournament. A significant number of college coaches from around the country attend this annual competition looking to identify top talent.
Coached by Jerod Cardona, the Escondido FC Heat were determined and talented. The opposing team, Riverside FC, went undefeated before reaching the finals. Escondido FC Heat won 2 games and tied 1 game in bracket play. Escondido Heat defeated Minnesota Twin Star Academy in the semi finals after being down 0-1 in the first half.
Despite several scoring opportunities for both teams in the championship match, the game ended in draw, 0-0, which lead to PK’s. Goalkeeper Jimmy Hernandez was phenomenal and helped Escondido FC Heat win the shootout with a 3 to 1 final.
“The boys really came together and played well as a team. I am very proud to see the camaraderie of this team and their determination to work hard and give their best effort despite injuries and setbacks. I also want to recognize the great efforts of our goalkeeper, Fernando Cortez and Jimmy Hernandez. They only let in 1 goal in the 5 games that we played.” said Coach Cardoza.
