The Dalles knows how to make an explosive first impression.
The Dalles FC, a new youth soccer club representing The Dalles, made its debut at the Nike Mt. Hood Challenge soccer tournament this weekend in Canby and Wilsonville and they brought home the championship trophy in the bronze 10U boys’ division.
In four games, The Dalles scored 21 goals and allowed just seven.
The main scoring contribution for The Dalles was Hulises Najera, who led the group with 12 goals, including the title-clinching tally Sunday in a 5-4 double-overtime win over the Rogue Valley Timbers 05B Future Stars White.
TD coach Luis Alvarado said The Dalles team showed heart and character through its tournament schedule.
“We are very proud of this group of kids we have,” Alvarado said. “Each and every one of them are an important part of our team and the success we have accomplished to this point. Our main hope is to have this special group continue to work together as long as they can so they can accomplish bigger and better things in the future.”
Sunday’s title game versus Rogue Valley was classified as a dramatic, physical and aggressive clash between two of the top teams.
Rogue Valley struck first blood in the opening half, using explosive play, closing in on the ball quickly and scoring the first goal.
But, TD’s White Caps counter-punched quickly with their own goal.
The back-and-forth scoring continued until a late goal by the White Caps evened the score at 4-apiece at the end of regulation.
Championship glory came down to one goal, one moment and one hero in overtime.
In the first overtime, both teams battled to a standstill with neither scoring after five minutes of action.
In the second overtime, Najera finally broke through.
On a free kick opportunity from a few yards out, Najera rifled a shot to the back of the net to give The Dalles a 5-4 lead.
TD held on down the stretch and kept Rogue Valley off the scoreboard to earn its tournament crown.
Coach Alvarado and Jason Bullard expected the team to do well, but admitted that they weren’t expecting to win a championship, especially given the level of competition.
“That just goes to show the quality of kids we have in The Dalles,” Bullard said.
The team, made up of local eight-through-10-year-olds, used its all-around skillset to stymie the opposition.
In their opening contest Friday, the White Caps took on Academia Leon and came away with a 5-3 triumph.
On Saturday, the team played two games, one against Willamette United Soccer Club B05 Red and the other against the Rogue Valley Timbers 05B Future Stars Red.
The White Caps shut down both teams with an impenetrable defense tag-teamed by stout defenders Evan Anderson, Angel Rodriguez, Brandon Schilling, and Maxwell Alrubaie.
The hard work of the defense paid off, with a shutout in each game from goalkeeper Luciano Alvarado.
“The team played great, but more importantly, they learned a lot about themselves individually and as a team at this tournament,” Bullard said. “They played their hearts out, supported each other, and didn’t get down on themselves when they made a mistake. Not only did they play smart and tough, they played with integrity and good sportsmanship.”
After Najera, the White Cap scoring was evenly distributed throughout the roster.
Jaeden Bullard followed Najera’s efforts with three goals, and the duo of Christopher Solano and Abel Figueroa chipped in two markers each.
Adrian Rodriguez and Angel Rodriguez each added a goal, and Diego Rodriguez was an invaluable resource with strong contributions on both offense and defense.
“Our team isn’t only made up of skilled players, it’s made up of a whole team that believes in each other and will fight until the end for one another,” Alvarado added. “Our team has become one huge family.”
A major part of the family vibe comes from parents and administrators that help support the program.
Both coaches thanked Scott Radford and Julie Massey-Whitaker for helping the team get set up to use AYSO player cards in order to be eligible to play in tournaments.
As the team decides which tournament to tackle next, they’re also looking to fundraise and obtain their 501(c)3 status with hopes of earning corporate sponsorships.
“Unlike other clubs that charge several hundred dollars per season, the goal is that our families only have to pay for tournament fees and travel costs,” noted team manager Tria Bullard.
“Jason and Luis aren’t getting paid. They’re doing it because they love it and they’re trying to build something for the boys’ future.”
The Dalles FC is a non-profit organization that was formed to provide year-round, competitive soccer opportunities for youths.
The program’s mission is to prepare athletes for the next level of competition, while maintaining a positive environment and focusing on player development.
All male and female athletes between the ages of 8-10, who are enrolled in the current AYSO program are eligible, but there are limited slots left and it is a competitive selection process.
To learn more about the team, email Bullard at thedallesfc@gmail.com.
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