A Penalty Shootout for the Ages
The Green Hornets 2016 boys select soccer team clinched the U10 Elite Division championship in a thrilling finish that will be remembered by teammates, coaches and parents alike.
The final took place as part of the Soccer Association of Columbia’s Memorial Day tournament, where the Hornets faced off against the region’s top squads in an elite bracket that tested their skill and stamina.
Regulation time produced a 1-1 deadlock, forcing the contest into a penalty kick showdown. In the shootout the Hornets remained flawless, converting all seven of their attempts while the opposition slipped on one miss, sealing a 7-6 victory.
Head coach Tony Malcom and his assistant Mat Merriman guided the side through the pressure‑cooker moments, their strategic calm evident in every kick.
Players battled through less‑than‑ideal weather, displaying grit and tenacity that underscored the team’s collective resolve and love of the game.
The championship win reflects more than a trophy; it showcases the Hornets’ ability to rise against elite competition and execute under pressure, a testament to their training and spirit.