The annual soccer tournament at South East Middle School started on March 24, and everyone felt hyped from the start. Right when lunch began, people rushed straight to the field. The energy hit immediately.
The teams in the soccer tournament took names of different countries which can connect to the World Cup this year in the 2026 summer.
During the tournament, some teams started playing better together. Other teams still tried to figure things out, teamwork showed clearly. Players moved together and set up plays instead of just kicking the ball randomly like how team USA did before trying to find space to pass to each other which made them change their strategy to create space and make passing easier
But then in the next game Juan Moreno, a player of the team USA, passed a lot during the game to score efficiently and to keep up the pressure. The ball movement turned smoother and faster at this point. Players looked more confident with each play. It felt like actual team play.
When teams lose they decide to either change or not change their strategy like the team of France. When the team lost they did not change their strategy based on what Mikel Gezalyan said.
Team Curacao focused on staying close and keeping pressure so they could keep control and push forward.
Ethan Vasquez, player of the team Curacao and sixth grader used a strategy which he said, “I tell my friends to guard their opponents and not let them leave their sight and to put pressure on them when they have the ball also.”
The intensity reached a higher level later on. Players moved faster and stayed locked in the whole time. The games felt more important now, matches got closer during the tournament. Every play started to matter more. Players tried hard to avoid mistakes but messed up time to time
The event brought students together and gave everyone something to look forward to during the school day. It turned into one of the best parts of the school year. People will probably remember it for a long time. With teams like Curacao, England, and Ecuador also standing out and making people excited to watch.
