In preparation for the upcoming 2011-12 season at the premier level, NADO’s BU12 team continued summer training through indoor league play where they went 7-0-1 while capturing the San Diego Indoor Soccer League title. The final featured two undefeated teams in a thrilling extra-time match that tested both teams’ stamina and determination.
The next stop for the NADO BU12 Premier team was the San Diego Pegasus Cup, which kicked off the local pre-season tournament schedule. The boys had a strong showing where they finished as a finalist. The Aztecs Premier squad bested NADO by one point in each of two matches including a well-played final that ended 1-0.
After eagerly awaiting acceptance into one of the more prestigious pre-season area tournaments, the NADO BU12 boys received their invitation to the Albion National Soccer Showcase Tournament in mid-July. The 4-team bracket was stacked with exceptional talent, but when the dust settled, NADO emerged undefeated with another title while surrendering only three goals in four games played.
The Nike Crusader’s Cup was held in late July and the Coronado BU12 club came out of the gate fast with a 2-0 win over Hotspurs, but then uncharacteristically stumbled in a 2-1 loss to their hosts, the Crusaders. In the final match of round-robin pool play, Coronado BU12 Premier had an opportunity to avenge its earlier Pegasus losses against the spirited Aztecs Premier club and they took full advantage by posting a 2-0 shutout over Aztecs. At the end of pool play, Aztecs and NADO were tied for the lead in points with Coronado’s boys holding the advantage in head-to-head play. The finals were set for a re-match of the Pegasus title game. Aztecs struck early and often, leaving the NADO boys dazed and behind 3-0 at the half. Coach Manny Neves rallied his troops at the break and Coronado looked like a different team in the second frame. Amazingly, the boys mustered three goals of their own to tie the game at the end of regulation. NADO seized the momentum in the 10-minute extra time period by scoring immediately and the team then turned to their defense to secure a 4-3 come-from-behind victory and the tournament championship.
The NADO BU12 Premier team prepared to defend its title as Coronado host its annual Crown City Classic (CCC) soccer tournament. The younger age groups competed August 6th through the 7th across fields throughout the community. Incidentally, Coronado BU12 faced the Aztecs in the finals after Nado had won its bracket. Nado had already faced the Aztecs on day one of the CCC, which resulted in a 0-0 tie. The final match was a battle at first, with the Aztecs scoring first. The match was a tough loss for Nado, with a 2-6 final score, but the boys were happy to have made it to the finals.
