As the Eagle’s star player, Reilly scored an outstanding 37 goals, leading Broward County in that category. Following in his good steps was freshman, Emilio Blanco, a highly skilled player who contributed with 8 goals this year. Calvary’s leadership was at its best. Team captain, Tyler Middlebrooks, boosted the team’s energy along with Chris Cruz, Tommy Ferrari and others. “The senior leadership was definitely important for us since we are a young team,” said Eric Ferrari.

The Eagle’s key wins to their season included, Westminster Academy, Highlands Christian, and Coral Springs Charter. Now, good players require a good coaching staff, and this team could not have asked for a better one. Coach Robert Barnett and Coach Gary Smith, love the sport and CCA, and that combination help mark a successful season. “Both coaches were great this year. They love the game, and you could tell they have a passion for the sport,” said Reilly.

The Eagle’s team verse for the year was Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Their motto was “Do you believe,” which our players showed they did indeed. As the season came to an end and players and coaches left the field with hearts of champions, their thought was on the next season. What would God have for them then? That thought was as exciting as the trophy in their hands.

Soccer is awesome! Of course, I’m sure every athlete thinks the same of their sport. But, I believe soccer is simply an amazing game; I love the sound of the soccer ball hitting the back of the net; the sight of the ball going right past the goalie’s face, and hearing the fans cheering as the player runs back up the field celebrating with the rest of their team. When our team wins a soccer game it is a great feeling; it makes all of the running, shooting, and dribbling we work on in practice all worth it.

Playing a sport takes time and dedication. Soccer is not only a sport; it’s a commitment and a passion. “Sorry I can’t I have practice.” Or, “No I can’t make it, I have a game,” is something every athlete has said in their life. I know I have. When that happens, you usually think to yourself, I wish I didn’t play sports, I just want to quit, because I never have time for anything else. But in the end, when you win that game, when you look around you at the friends you’ve made, when you see at the people God has put in your path so that you may be a light and reflect His love and kindness, well, it all makes sense, and very worth it.

Soccer, like any other sport at CCA, should be played with passion. And if you commit to it, you may just see the sunny side of life.

The team came extremely close to going to District Championships this season, but they were defeated in the final moments due to a penalty kick. With the score tied, the game would have gone into a shootout, “Which we would have won,” said Junior, Alex Basye. The opposing team was given a penalty kick for a call that was more than questionable. The referee’s call led to a penalty kick that was shot through the goal posts, handing the Eagles a devastating loss.

After the game, Coach Bombonato got his team together and commended their efforts they put in throughout season. He was just upset that they had to go down in such a difficult way. If the Eagles prevailed they would have gone to the District Championship game, where the chances at winning were probable. “We have to forget the past,” said the coach as he focused on the many positives his team accomplished throughout the season.

The team in fact led Districts in goals, as Carli Deibel scored the most out of any district player. Coach Bombonato was very pleased with this stat as he said, “This was just one of the many accomplishments we achieved this year.” He summarized the season as “ups and downs,” and even though the loss in the Districts was a painstaking one, it will give the team a stronger impetus toward next season.