Teeny Mites League Soccer: Big Kicks, Big Smiles

By: Shelia Mader

The youngest league of four-and five-year-olds delivered another unforgettable week of soccer action, complete with hustle, heart, and even a priceless twin mix-up.

The Piranhas opened with a 4–2 victory over the Strykers. Israel Geter tallied both goals for the Strykers, while the Piranhas spread the scoring around with Beckett Tillman, Brantley Grace Smith, Bryar Smith, and Ashton Tate each finding the net. CaryMae Burch drew praise for her concentration and determination, while Jianna Lee Faison proved that size doesn’t matter, the “tiny but mighty” defender turned away several Stryker attacks.

The Patriots then put on a dominant display against the Dynamite, recording a 4–0 shutout. Tauren Dyer and Hunter Dixson each scored twice to power the win. Though blanked on the scoreboard, the Dynamite fought hard and showed steady improvement.

In their next matchup, the Dynamite turned the tables on the Strykers, pulling off a 2–0 shutout of their own. JT Barfield, Everly Long, and August Isabella earned recognition for their tireless effort and big kicks, helping keep the Strykers off balance all game.

The week wrapped up with perhaps the most memorable moment of the season so far when the Patriots and Piranhas played to a 1–1 draw. Bryar Smith scored the lone Piranhas goal, but the story of the match came when twin sister, Brantlee Grace Smith, accidentally scored in the wrong net. Her misfire tied the game for the Patriots, against her own team. The good-natured mix-up had parents and coaches laughing on the sidelines, and the twins themselves took it in stride, proving once again that in this age group, fun and memories matter even more than the final score.