TCSA and SLC Teams Shine at Atlanta Season Finale

Courtesy of TCSA

The future of soccer in our region looks incredibly bright! The Toombs County Soccer Association (TCSA) and the Southeast League of Clubs (SLC) recently made a resounding statement at the 13th Annual Atlanta Season Finale in Peachtree City, held May 10-11, with all three participating teams returning home with well-deserved hardware. The TCSA 10u Academy Stars Group proved to be a dominant force in their division. Coached by Fletcher Corbin and comprised of 12 talented players, the team swept their competition, winning all four of their matches and proudly bringing home the Champions Medal. Their journey to victory included impressive wins against LSC Toros (105), LSC Sounders (3-1), Villa Rica Titans (5-4), and Pike County Pirates (5-4). The young stars triumphed over teams from Peachtree City, Pike County, and Villa Rica in a competitive field of eight teams.

Reflecting on his team's success, Head Coach Fletcher Corbin of the 10u Boys team stated, 'The boys' victory was truly built on momentum. As a brandnew team with only four returning players, their improvement each week was remarkable. By the time the tournament arrived, they were performing at their absolute peak. These young men undoubtedly have a bright future in the game.'

In an exciting first for the Southeast League of Clubs, two newly formed teams, comprised of players from Toombs County Soccer Association, Douglas Soccer Club, Waycross Soccer Club, and CMH Soccer, also made their mark at the tournament.

The 16u Girls SLC team showcased incredible resilience and determination. Facing tough competition from Kennesaw, Cherokee County, and Peachtree City, the girls started strong with a 2-2 tie against LPSC Lady Leopards. They then demonstrated their fighting spirit in their second game, scoring an exhilarating three goals in the final 20 minutes to secure a 3-2 victory over CSA Strikers. Despite a 3-0 loss to Lazers SC on Sunday morning, the team rallied in the finals, avenging their earlier defeat with a hard-fought 1-0 win to claim the Champion medals.

Head Coach Fletcher Corbin, who also led the 16u Girls team, was deeply impressed by their performance. 'The resiliency shown by this group of girls is unmatched by any team I've ever coached,' he remarked. 'They consistently overcame adversity, arriving ready to give their absolute best each and every time they stepped onto the field. It was a true privilege to be a part of their journey.'

Adding to the sentiment, Assistant Coach Juan Garcia shared, 'They came together as teammates, but with grit, heart, and unshakable belief in one another, they became champions. Through every challenge, they never gave up – and now they stand as champions of the 13th Annual Season Finale Tournament.'

The 16u Boys SLC team also impressed, dominating their group stage matches. They kicked off the weekend with a 2-2 draw against LPSC Leopards, followed by a decisive 4-2 win over the home team, LSC Bayern Munich, and a commanding 8-2 victory against CYSC United. Unfortunately, the final match was called off due to heavy rain and lightning, leading to a penalty shootout where SLC narrowly lost 4-5 to LPSC Leopards. Despite the disappointing end, LPSC Leopards Coach Matt Razor acknowledged the 16u SLC team's strength, stating he believed they would have won the final if it had been played.

Head Coach of the 16u Boys Team, Juan Avalos, reflected on the experience: 'The Atlanta Season Finale was a fantastic experience for all the players. The boys were the dominant team of the group stage, topping the table with 7 points, the most scored, and the fewest goals against. The top goal scorer was Randi Velasquez, who scored five goals. Mauricio, Eliazar, Tripp, Thomas, Sergio, and Bryan also found the back of the net, while Luis Salas led the team in assists with four. The only thing that could stop the boys was elements. The pouring rain and lightning led to the Final being called off. But these U16 boys are ready to take the field again!'

Assistant Coach Amanda Betsill added, 'Seeing those 16u SLC boys come together and battle their way to the finals in Peachtree City, especially with that relentless cold rain, made me incredibly proud. For many of them, it was their first tournament, and the growth they showed as a team throughout the weekend was fantastic. That loss on penalties stings, especially after such a hardfought journey, but in my book, they came home as champions. The heart and determination they displayed made this an unforgettable experience.'

The success at the Atlanta Season Finale underscores the growing strength and talent within the local soccer community. Tryouts for the 2025 Fall season have already begun, and TCSA is eager to welcome new and returning players. With training centers located in both Vidalia and Douglas, Georgia, TCSA will continue its commitment to fielding age and gender-appropriate teams for all youth levels.

The Toombs County Soccer Association and the Southeast League of Clubs extend their deepest gratitude to their generous sponsors for their invaluable support: SWAT, Salgado Harvesting, Ellianos Coffee, Paul Thigpen Chevrolet, Country Financial, Vidalia Federal Savings Bank, Crider Foods, Adidas, and Peoples Bank. Their commitment to the local soccer community plays a vital role in the success of our young athletes.

This remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedication of the players, the guidance of their coaches, and the support of the local community and our sponsors. Congratulations to TCSA and the SLC on their outstanding performance!

10U Boys – (L to R): Carlos Munoz Lopez, Isaac Ramirez, Michael Racz, Cason Coursey, Valentino Reyes, Kelvin Zamorano, Isaac Baza, Noah Hart, Izaac Martinez, Lionel Salazar, Elias Baza, and Sebastian Ramirez.

Photo by TCSA

16U Girls – (L to R, Front): Claudia Meredith, Lilly Ann Hall, Mary Hadden, Clara Dowling, Giselle Garcia; (Back): Maribeth Stephens, Kate Bishop, Raela Smith, Maggie Stewart, Lali Martinez, Kaylee Giselle Gonzalez, Genesis Trejo, Georgia Jackson, Ruth DeSouza, Laura Hernandez Cabrera, Rayllys Rodriguez, and Jocelyn Santana.

Photo by TCSA

16U Boys – (L to R, Front): Fredy Garcia, Lamar Crockett, Brayan Espinzoa, Randi Velasquez, Mauricio Duque, Aquiles Nunez, Sergio Abundio; (Back): Eliazar Monetejo, Anthony Ramirez, Angel Perez, Bryan Macario, Luis Salas, Thomas Betsill, Miguel Espinoza, Ronnie Tripp Lewis, and Alexander Palomque.