Top of Florida Rovers U14 are Runner's Up at 2008 Pensacola Classic

The Top of Florida Rovers U14 traveled to Pensacola to compete in the 2008 Pensacola Classic.  This tournament attracted over 1500 players ages 8 - 18 to the Ashton-Brosnaham Sports complex.  The tournament was hosted by the Pensacola Futbol Club (PFC).  PFC President Steve Willis said. “It’s a showcase for our very best soccer kids in the area.  It’s a nice chance for people to see what the South is all about.”

Four of the Top of Florida Rovers players, Ben Remke, Ben Arnoldy, Daniel Harrell and Brandon McCall, represented Wakulla well as part of the Rovers “select” team.

The Rovers were seated in the Gold Bracket for the tournament.  Saturday’s games ended up in a 1 - 0 victory over Lakeview Thunder 94 of Louisiana and a 1 - 1 tie with Bay United Storm 94 from Panama City.  On Sunday the final games began.  The semi-final game was a shut out.  The score was 3-0, Top of Florida Rovers over Pensacola Futbol Club.  Ben Arnoldy and Brandon McCall assisted in holding the midfield in this game with both participating at forward during portions of the game.  Ben Remke cleaned up for the defense holding off several plays for the goal.  Daniel Harrell, goalkeeper, did not get much action this game but his challenge was to come. 

The final game came down to the Top of Florida Rovers and Emerald Coast United from Destin.  The weather was not in the Rover’s favor with gusty winds and threatening storms.  Daniel Harrell, as goalkeeper, was pounded by attempted goal shots defending like a pro despite the extremely unfavorable wind conditions.  Emerald Coast United took the championship 3 - 0 despite the best efforts from all of the seventeen Top of Florida Rovers U14 team members.  The Top of Florida Rover’s took the U14 Runner’s Up Medals ending the tournament in second place.

The Rovers will travel to Panama City for regional qualifying games; Atlanta’s Laser Tournament and will finish out the season at the Heart of Georgia Classic in Macon, GA.

Bottom picture (L to R):  Ben Remke, Daniel Harrell, Brandon McCall and Ben Arnoldy

- Submitted by Cheryl McCall

This article originally published on April 6, 2008.

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