The VYS U9G Comets participated in the Virginian and went to their 3rd straight tournament championship over Memorial Day weekend.  The Virginian, now in it’s 33rd year, is one of the largest youth soccer tournaments on the east coast, hosting 600-700 teams annually in the Northern Virginia area.

The Comets started their tournament run with a 6-0 win over the Sterling Phoenix and a 3-1 win over Arlington Forza Azzura on Saturday.  On Sunday the Comets faced some tough competition, but came away with a 3-3 tie against the Wyckoff Torpedoes (Kraebel) to advance to a semi-final game against the SASA Shooting Stars.  The Comets held off a late game comeback attempt by the Stars to win 3-2 and advance to the tournament championship.  On Monday the Comets faced a determined opponent, whom they defeated in their last matchup, Reston United.  The two teams faced off again at 10:30 am Monday for the Virginian girls U9 Silver bracket championship game.  The Comets maintained a strong defensive performance both in goal and on the field throughout regulation.  Despite a number of powerful offensive attacks and a dominance in possession, the Comets completed regulation and 2 five minute overtimes in a 0-0 tie with the United.  The outcome was decided in a tense session of penalty kicks during which a controversial call was made on one of the United players kicks, allowing a 2nd attempt of a kick that had been blocked by the Comets’ goalie.  Reston scored on the 2nd kick attempt for the win.  It was a climactic finish to a wonderful weekend of excellent soccer and beautiful weather in Northern Virginia.

The Comets have made tremendous progress since their first season together last fall, and have now made it to the championship game in 3 of their last 4 tournaments, and won 2.