Midget League: where hustle meets heart and every kick counts at Optimist Park

By: Shelia Mader

The Midget League is where the magic of youth soccer shines brightest! These players are right in the middle of it all, old enough to know the game, young enough to still play with pure joy, and fired up to show the crowd what they can do. The littles look up to them, the older leagues inspire them, and together, they keep Optimist Park buzzing with energy. With eight teams lacing up and leaving it all on the field, the competition is fierce, the teamwork is growing, and the fun is unstoppable.

Bulldogs Bite First

The Bulldogs and Mystics set the tone for opening week, squaring off in a match that had plenty of excitement. When the final whistle blew, it was the Bulldogs on top, 3-1. Oliver Odom, Declan Owens, and Brooke Caynor each found the net for the Bulldogs. Marcos Rivera kept the Mystics on the board, scoring off a slick assist from Kylon Wright.

Raptors Edge Cheetahs in Nailbiter

The Cheetahs and Raptors treated fans to a nail-biting match that came down to the wire. In the end, the Raptors squeaked out a 2-1 victory. Coach Josh Sanders praised his squad’s hustle, pointing to Hezekiah Foulks’ goal, goalie Davis Alday’s saves, and Mary White’s fierce defense. Myles Alday also turned heads with his speed and grit on the back line.

Assistant Coach Colt Smith applauded the Cheetahs for their fight, noting Levi Schreffler’s equalizing goal and the strong defensive play of Chloe Smith. Layne Deese’s effort on the final score showed the Cheetahs never quit.

Vipers Strike Big

Fueled up and ready, the Vipers came out firing with a 6-1 win over the Extreme. Benjamin Roach put the Extreme on the board, while Coach Roach reminded everyone that it’s all about fun. For the Vipers, it was a balanced attack, Jaxson Mann and Wes Moore with two goals apiece, and Bear McClellan and Jase Bell each adding one. Coach Brian Mitchell was all smiles, praising the team’s effort.

Fire Smolders Tigers

The Fire roared to a 3-1 victory over the Tigers. Lincoln Loyd was the bright spot for the Tigers with a strong goal, while the Fire’s Jamie Jack Hitchcock burned hot with two scores. Hayden Metzler added a goal to seal the win.

Vipers Double Down

Not content with one big win, the Vipers repeated their magic against the Mystics with another commanding 6-1 finish. Wes Moore delivered a hat trick, while Mann, McClellan, and Jaxson Lee chipped in goals. Kylon Wright was the Mystics’ hero, sneaking one past the defense.

Cheetahs Claw Tigers

The Cheetahs showed they weren’t backing down, blanking the Tigers 4-0. Levi Schreffler netted a hat trick, including a buzzer-beater, while Ryder Floyd battled through a blocked penalty kick to score on the rebound. It was a statement win for the Cheetahs.

Defensive Duel: Raptors vs Bulldogs

Not every game is about offense, sometimes defense steals the show. The Raptors and Bulldogs ended in a 0-0 tie, proving that strong back lines and quick goalies can keep the scoreboard quiet.

Fire Stays Hot

The Fire kept their undefeated streak alive with a 5-1 win over the Extreme. Jamie Jack Hitchcock was unstoppable with two goals, while Jackson Davis tallied a goal and two assists. Kayden Metzler and Oliver Alejos each added a goal, with Alejos recording two assists. The Extreme showed fight, with Noah Tyus scoring his first goal of the season.

With just one week in the books, the Midget League is already serving up goals, grit, and great soccer. If the opening games are any sign, fans at Optimist Park are in for one exciting season.