Alachua soccer team takes first place

ALACHUA – The Alachua Soccer League Hurricanes recently took first place at the Challenge Sports “3V3” Keystone Tournament.  3v3 Soccer, commonly referred to as a “small sided” game, is played with each team having only have three players on the field at a time.  It uses a much smaller net than full sided soccer and there is no keeper, requiring the blending of strategy, individual skills and teamwork.

The team, led by Coach John Salbert, made its first appearance Jan. 30, 2010, after having been organized less than six days.  The Hurricanes entered the tournament hoping they would get a chance to play in the Nationals Tournament at Disney’s Wide World of Sports in August 2010.

They entered the tournament determined to get a berth in Nationals, which would be awarded to the top four teams in each age group.  After losing their first game, the Hurricanes regrouped and came back with fierce determination to win the remaining five games of the day taking first place in the tournament, earning the right to compete at Nationals.  Alachua was well represented by the team that took the tournament by storm and the buzz that day was, “Have you guys seen that Alachua team?” In preparation for the big show at Nationals, the ASL Hurricanes will be entering local tournaments between now and August. 

The Alachua Soccer League is a local volunteer recreational soccer program, and the road to Nationals, which is a three-day tournament, will be costly. The ASL Hurricanes is a travel team made up of players from the recreation league, and they must come up with their own funds for travel and fees.  Salbert estimates the team’s travel costs will exceed $1,700. 

The team is pumped up and ready for the challenge, and are fully engaged in raising funds through car washes, yard sales, candy sales and bake sales.  Businesses or individuals who would like to support the team may contact John Salbert at 352-514-086.  Names of all sponsors and donors will be placed on a banner currently being designed by the team and will be displayed at all upcoming tournaments including Nationals.

Looking ahead, if the team does well at Nationals, they will be eligible to participate in the World Championships at Disney’s Wide World of Sports in January 2011.