This past weekend Button City FC fought hard in the Land of the Free Tournament. The heat was high and the soccer fierce with Button City FC playing in the round robin format which mixed two divisions featuring six teams total. The format for the tournament had teams play in a 7v7 match in two 30 minute halves with 6 points for a win, and up to 3 additional points for goals scored. Additionally the team had their opening game for the fall indoor season which had our players battle it out over 6 games over the two days.
Going into the tournament we wanted to focus on building up the team again and get into playing shape for our 11v11 season. While we always play to win we didn’t expect to get first place for our division!
Day One
Button City FC vs Tropics
In the cool morning the opening game went against the top division winner Tropics with a 8-3 loss for BCFC. With players like giants we fought hard and held them off for much of the first half and even had a penalty shot opportunity against them that unfortunately sailed over the top post. Unfortunately our main keeper was not in session for this game though our backup blocked a ton of shots we ultimately fell.
Button City FC vs Chelsea
After the loss in the first game we found ourselves against Chelsea, one of our rival team. We’ve had only one other match against them but many of our players have come from this team. One of our goals for this weekend was to see how we measure up against them now vs when we first played which happened all the way back in 2023 in our first ever tournament. The game was back and forth all throughout the match with the teams trading goals. Our players wanted to prove themselves and shut down strong attacks with our defense shielding with a fierce press and man marking their top players. The mid turned and carried the ball beautifully with each goal shaking the back of the net beautifully followed by the blaring honk of a vuvuzella in celebration. As the final seconds were fading away we kept attacking to ensure a Button City FC victory with a final score of 5-4.
Button City FC vs WTFC at Indoor
In addition to the tournament the start of the fall indoor season started on Saturday. We signed on two new youth players who have been waiting for the opportunity to play with their parents. With an early nutmeg shot on the keeper we had an early lead but the team is still finding their new dynamics. With half the team tired from the two games earlier and mindful of having to play one more game after and the other half coming in new we began to fall apart with two goals against the team. While playing a great passing game we didn’t have enough shots on goal and while our defense was doing well enough they eventually faulted and let in one more with a final losing score or 3-1. The new indoor season will be exciting to follow along as we find our feet with our new teammates.
Button City FC vs Average Joes
Returning to the tournament in the evening we went against a team we historically lost against. This game was also back and forth with us being back heeled early on in the game and the familiarity of defeat on the horizon. The tone changed when a shot rocketed into the top corner of the net early in the first half. Our team felt the elation and drive renewed going into the game bringing in a simple pass focused style of play that created opportunities. The game continued back and forth with us leading throughout both halves. There were some hard fouls but no cards this game. Going into the final seconds we were up 5-4 with a corner set piece for the opposing team the ball few through the air and what seemed to us to go out of play went back in and then kicked into the back of the net equalizing. With no time to argue and no extra time alloted we reset to try to get ahead with our last play. The play built up and the final shot kicked with precision and power unfortunately went directly into the arms of the keeper. With that the final whistle blew with a draw at 5-5 against Average Joes.
Day Two
Button City FC vs Chupacabras
Going into day two we were heading into facing the teams who ultimately went into the upper division. Chupacabras early on rained goals in hitting us with six goals against in the first half. We retaliated with a goal in the first half. Going into the second half we switched up our formation from a 2-3-1 to a more defensive minded 3-2-1 to keep their runners at bay and close off shooting opportunities. In the second half we also got awarded a penalty which was taken by our star striker of the tournament in a redemption from our first game. Ultimately though we conceded one more goal in the half and lost 7-2.
Button City FC vs Mutiny
Our final match of the tournament had us on the line for either getting third in the upper division or getting first in the lower. We opened up with an early goal still utilizing our 3-2-1 formation. We focused more on defense this game since our striker had to leave for another league. We had great build up play with our remaining teammates and found early success in the first fifteen minutes. Fatigue began coming into play though as the events from the weekend wore through our players. Few subs and a mid field who weren’t used to playing in this formation began to faulter as we conceded goal after goal. Ultimately in the end our final game we came out with a 9-3 loss.
Awards
Although our last day we lost to two formidable teams we earned our first place award in the second division. This is the first tournament win in Button City FC history and we’re excited for the opportunity to play, grow, and win as a club. We’re looking forward to our upcoming seasons as we celebrate our victories.
