The Nationals FC 97B White team win perhaps in the most impressive manner, the 2010 3v3 Kick It Regional Qualifier. In a formidable display of team work, the White team finished not only first in their bracket, but finished undefeated. Their margin of victory during their pool play was 10 goals. Using their experience as their "Secret Weapon", Randy, Vicente, Alan, Johnathan and Hunter completely dominated their way into the championship. Watching from the sidelines, an injured but supportive Kevin Keeler cheered on as his mates won another championship. Their toughest task was an inspired Nationals FC 97B Blue team in the championship. Although the game could have gone to either team, the White team proved too much for the less experienced Blue team. Congratulations again, White team, see ya in Austin!!

Led by Coach Daniel, the Nationals FC 97B Blue team displayed exceptional resilience playing together for the first time. Although Jose, Julian, William, Alejandro, Christian and Tristan were new to each other, their exceptional ability adapt quickly, gave them an advantage over every team in the tournament. Even though they got off to a slow start, the team managed to bring it together under Coach Daniel's leadership. After losing their first game, the boys won all their remaining games which propelled them to the Semi Finals and gave them a second chance to play the same team that beat them in the opening round. Facing an older and physically bigger team, the boys used team defense and quick counter attacks to finish off the Cobras and move on to the Championship. Facing a much more experienced Nationals FC 97B White team, the Blue Team played inspired team soccer and quickly went ahead 2-0 with goals from Jose and Alejandro. The White team quickly responded with two goals from Randy and tied it up with 3 minutes left in the first half. The White team quickly built a 5-3 lead and although Jose's goal closed the gap, time was just not on their side and the final whistle from the ref showed a 5-4 advantage for the White team. Great job Blue team, we are very proud of your performance and can't wait to see what you will bring to the next tournament.

Led by Coaches Jessie and Tim, the Nationals FC 98 Girls Blue team showed everyone what good ol fashioned team play can accomplish. Playing for the first time together, Alex, Lauren, Merci, AJ, Miranda and Ariana played inspired soccer which propelled them to their first ever 3v3 Championship. Each player contributed to the team's fast ascension to superstardom and found perhaps something bigger than a first place finish; they found each other! Congratulations to the Nationals FC 98 Girls Blue Team in winning the 2010 Dallas Kick It 3v3 Regional Qualifier.

View the 98 girls tournament photos on Flickr

The Nationals FC 98 Girls "Gold" team had to face perhaps the toughest uphill battle out of all the teams. However, instead of excuses the girls found a way to learn from each game they played. From the sidelines, you could see them learn the game and make the necessary adjustments to play team soccer. We are proud of the way Madie, Lexie, Stephanie, Sophia, Taylor and Cendal played through all the odds stacked against them and played a fantastic game for third place. Great job ladies, we are all very proud of you and can't wait what to see what you are capable of with more experience.

View the 98 girls tournament photos on Flickr

Playing in their first 3v3 tournament in almost a year, the White team had more to prove than the Blue or Gold teams. All six girls; Caitlin, Emily, Leslie, Ash, Alyssa and China  needed to find the level of play that propelled them to the National Championship in 2009. Unfortunately, this tournament proved to be a true test of the White team's ability to play through adversity. With each victory or loss, we hope the team takes a lesson from the manner in which they respect the game, their opponent and perhaps most importantly, each other. Great job White team! Although you didn't finish first in the tournament, you inspired the rest of the team to strive and demand more from themselves.

View the 98 girls tournament photos on Flickr

The Nationals FC 98 Girls once again are showing why they are considered "The Team To Beat", in Plano Premier Soccer. Even after losing several key players over the summer, the girls have adapted to new roles and have stepped it up a notch in their play. According to some coaches we have faced, "These girls leave it all on the field!!". As a coach, I see the amount of selfless support my parents give this team day in and day out! It seems as though every player has 22 parents. Currently, our record is 5-1-2, with one game left in the season, a respectable performance despite all the obstacles they have faced. We are looking forward to the addition of several quality players currently training with us during the off season. The addition of these players should propel our team to a new level.

The Nationals FC 98 girls got off to a slow start by dropping their first game 2-1 against Mustangs FC. However, they mounted an impressive win streak which carried them to the championship game. The championship game was against the team that almost eliminated them, Mustangs FC. The game was extremely tough as predicted, but the girls came out playing determined and inspired. The Nationals took the lead in the last minute of the first half when Caitlin Jimenez and Kyla Curran set up a play for Leslie Chavez, who blasted a 24 yard shot just past the reach of the Mustangs FC Goalie. The second half was just as exciting with both teams paying exceptional soccer, but in the end, Tatum Moore and her defense were just too much for the Mustangs FC offense.