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Lack of starters no problem for Solar
BY Cory J. Mageors Staff Writer
Despite missing two impact players in the first two games of the US Youth Soccer National Championships, Solar ‘89 has been remarkable offensively, and has already solidified a spot in the nation title game.
“We’re in the finals,” said Plano Senior graduate Tex McCullough, who had surgery on Monday to correct an injury he suffered last week in practice. “I’m really happy for them and hope we win it all.”
McCullough will miss the remainder of the title push, but fellow former teammates Corben Bone will have only missed two games of this possible championship run.
Bone, who recently won an NCAA National Championship with Wake Forest, missed the first two games of the US Youth Soccer National Championships because of school. But Thursday evening he took a flight from Greensborough, N.C. to Atlanta, Ga., then to Little Rock, Ark. where he joined his teammates for an evening of relaxation, before a weekend of big-time soccer.
But without him, Plano West product Alex Chi, Plano’s Bryan Hicks and Plano East’s Brock Duckworth saw to it that Solar would be well on their way.
“They scored four goals in the first game and four goals in the second game,” Bone said. “I don’t know if they even need me, but hopefully I can contribute something and we can win this thing.”
Solar opened up the event with a 4-3 win against Colorado Rush Nike (Colorado) Wednesday, with Cameron Brown scoring two early goals and Christopher Taylor scoring off a penalty kick 80 minutes in.
While the victory gave Solar breathing room early in the tournament, the players showed they wanted more. In Thursday’s game, Chi scored two goals to open the game, one in the 31st minute and another 15 minutes later.
With that, Solar extended its lead to 4-0 and now sits at 2-0 in pool play.
Upcoming opponent KC Wizards Juniors (Kansas), however, also picked up two wins in their pool solidifying their spot in the finals as well.
As the two teams take the field today, neither one will be giving their game plan away.
“I am going to use the game as a warm-up,” Bone said. “I have to get my feet wet in tournament play since I haven’t played in a while.
“But I wouldn’t expect to see either team show very much. We will both probably save most of it for the finals.”
Bone is excited to join his teammates, and since they are playing in the U19 Division, he knows what Sunday’s final means to the team.
“It’s our last chance,” he said. “Every game has been a must win and so far, you know? Win or go home kind of. They have been inspirational wins with each one.
“I know I am happy with what they have done so far.”
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