The Three Rivers Athletic Club (TRAC) came away with a soccer league title in the boys 14-under division.
Ellijay’s 14U Elite posted a 9-0-1 seasonal record in Cherokee County to cap their recreational soccer careers. Over the previous four seasons, this group of players has a combined record of 40 wins, four losses and four ties.
Head coach Todd Gearhart has been there for each victory and noted the key components that make this group so successful.
“The majority of these boys have been playing together for the past six years. Our success stems from the brotherhood these young men have formed,” said Gearhart, who is an assistant principal at Gilmer High. “They play so well together, and a lot of these kids are on the Clear Creek soccer team who were region champions last year.
“The talent on this team is just unbelievable. They’ve gotten the attention of soccer coaches from across north Georgia. Back when I was at the primary school, they were just kindergartners and first graders. Getting to see them come up through school, and getting to coach them on the soccer field, has been awesome.”
Elite also won the UFA Rec Rocks Tournament in Cumming Nov. 22 while posting a 4-1 record.
In the title game, Elite lost its one-goal advantage in the final minute of play. However, the 2-2 tie did not stand for long. After maneuvering downfield, Elite earned a corner kick, which was taken by Brayner Ortiz.
Ortiz sent the ball into the box and it was cleared. Ortiz hustled to quickly gather the rebound, and just before time expired, he hammered a shot into the top left corner of the net for 3-2 Elite win.
“No one picked Brayner up, and with less than five seconds to go in the game, he scored the winning goal from 25 yards out,” Gearhart said. “It was a walk-off win; it was unbelievable! The referee blew the whistle and we won.”
Elite is in TRAC’s top age group. Gearhart noted they are exploring the idea of a 16U or 19U “developmental” team that would play outside of the high school’s spring season.