Written by Tom Elliot. 

For the first time since the Covid 19 outbreak brought Travel to and from Cayman to a standstill, a Sunset F.C. Girls U11 team traveled to the South Florida Soccer Cup & Showcase to represent the club. Hosted by Pinecrest Premier Soccer Club, the tournament included teams from the Southeastern United States and internationally. The trip in itself was full of a number of firsts: the first time a team so young had traveled internationally, the first time our girls had played 9v9, the first time we were playing on a half field pitch, and the first time that the parents were required to travel along with the players. Nevertheless, despite these challenges we were optimistic that we could hold our own and give a good account for ourselves.  

Game 1: Sunset F.C. v ANPPS Parkland Soccer 

Our first game was against a very strong ANPPS Parkland Soccer Club. After a nervous opening few minutes, Sunset took the lead with some fantastic team play finished with composure from Scarleth. Parkland fought back and equalized with a powerful strike just before half. In the second half, both teams gave it their all in search of the winning goal with Parkland finding the net after some nice play. As the game wore on, Sunset pushed for an equalizer but were unfortunately caught on the counterattack with another powerful finish.  

Final Score: Sunset 1, Parkland 3 

Game 2: Sunset F.C. v Azzurri Storm Soccer 

With the first game nerves a thing of the past, the Sunset girls took control of their second game and applied relentless pressure from the start. As the half wore on, the pressure paid off and Abby Proud finished with composure after some lovely team play. With a score of 1-0 at halftime, the girls knew the game wasn’t over and a second goal was needed. Early in the second half, Azzurri were under continuous pressure but managed to win their first and only corner of the game. After a slight deflection, they were able to grab an equalizing goal with a powerful strike from the top of the box. As the game progressed, a Sunset winner looked like it was on the cards, but unfortunately, the game was called off due to a thunderstorm.  

Final Score: Sunset 1, Azzurri 1 

Game 3: Sunset F.C. v Davie United 

The girls knew this would be the most challenging game of the three, as Davie United had all but clinched our division after two convincing wins over Parkland and Azzurri. From the opening kickoff, Sunset put Davie under pressure as they searched for the opening goal. Davie were a very well drilled team and managed to keep us at bay with some strong defending. After much back and forth, Davie eventually found the back of the net with a beautiful long-distance shot. The Sunset girls continued to push for the equalizer but unfortunately could not apply the finishing touch to many great passages of play.  

Final Score: Sunset 0, Davie United 1 

The girls left the Pinecrest trip with an incredible sense of achievement, which the results don’t fairly reflect. Every team they played were full of praise for their ability to compete and adapt. The girls can hold their heads high knowing that they gave the eventual champions – Davie United - their closest game of the tournament.  

The Sunset girls and Coaches would like to thank Rawlinson & Hunter who sponsored the tour and provided our travel shirts and bags. Also a big thank you to the parents who agreed to travel with the team during such difficult times, and lastly, thanks to Sunset F.C. for providing the opportunity for such a great experience.