This past weekend the Demize U12 Boys finished second in the Champions Challege tournament at the Lake Country Soccer facility.  The boys started the weekend off on the right foot beating the OKC Futball club 1-0 in a cold and windy affair that saw the Demize dominating possession and creating mulitiple goal scoring chances. Carlton Epps had the game winner off a breakaway in the first half. 

In the second game of the day vs Osage Beach FC the Demize scored early and often with a 6-0 victory.  Carlton got on the scoreboard again, doubling his talley from the first match, with fellow teamates Garrett Robertson and Aaron Seidman also finding the back of the net. 

In the championship game the Demize fell just short against a more physical Manchester FC (Arkansas). The first few minutes of the game saw two good scoring chances fall off the mark, including a breakaway with Garrett Robertson that shot went wide to the far post.  With a final 1-0 scoreline the Demize finished in second place eventhough it was the u12 boys first time on the 11v11 field. " Drake Lightfoot was tremendous in goal for us over the weekend with two shutouts and a stellar performance in the championship game," said head coach Chris Hanlon. " This is a very strong group of boys some of which have been playing for the Demize since they were under 7's.  It is exciting to see them move to the big field and have success right away. "

Mateo Soriano, Drew Goodhope and Andrew Taylor representing the Joplin Demize Academy's U11 boys team played with the SDA boys showcasing some of the top Joplin Academy players over the weekend.  Another example for how the Academy program is developing players thoughout Southwest Missouri.

Follow us on Instagram @demizeacademy to view more pictures from the weekend!