Tiny Mites Shine Bright at Optimist Park
By: Shelia Mader
The lights were bright, the cheers were loud, and the smiles were even bigger as the Tiny Mites hit the fields at Optimist Park this week. These five- and six-year-olds may be small in size, but they are playing with heart, hustle, and a whole lot of excitement. With each game, fans can see just how much these players have learned from their first years on the pitch. The season is off and running, and the Tiny Mites are ready to put on a show!
Indians vs. Scorpions
The Indians and Scorpions treated fans to a thriller Tuesday night, with the Indians slipping away with a 2-1 win. Johnathan Wickman was on fire, booting in both Indian goals, but Coach Morgan was quick to give credit to the whole squad. “Christopher Hall played extraordinarily well, helping to keep the ball away from our goal and getting it to the Scorpions’ goal for Johnathan to score. Our first goal, Skipper Dove had several blocks. Most importantly, the Indians worked as a team and had a great game.”
The Scorpions showed grit and determination, and the Times will update as soon as their scorer is confirmed.
Knights vs. Titans
The Knights and Titans matched the energy in another 2-1 showdown. For the Titans, Dawson Caudill found the back of the net with help from a perfectly placed assist by Journey Burnett, while Cameron Granberry was fearless in goal, stopping shots left and right. But the Knights had their own hero in Owen Green, who came through with a pair of goals to lift his team to victory.
Tiger Sharks vs. Lightning
The Tiger Sharks lived up to their name, circling fast and striking hard as they shut out the Lightning 3-0. While stats weren’t available, the score alone showed how much determination and teamwork this squad brought to the field Thursday night.
Warriors vs. Panthers
The Warriors roared to a 4-1 win over the Panthers, but the Panthers showed no quit. Emmalynn Bolin gave her team a spark with a goal, while Miller Price, Addyson Dias, and AnnaBeth Davis shared time in the box and battled hard against a relentless Warriors attack. Warrior stats will be added when available, but there’s no doubt they played with intensity from start to finish.
Week one is in the books, and if these games are any sign of what’s to come, fans are in for a season full of close matches, big kicks, and unforgettable moments. The Tiny Mites may be the second-youngest league at Optimist Park, but they are proving that they can play with the same fire and fun as anyone. Games continue Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings, so grab a seat, cheer loud, and watch the future of soccer shine!