Three Carson City teams came away as champions in the Kit Carson Shootout which concluded on Sunday at Edmonds Park.
The tournament featuring American Youth Soccer Organization all-star teams was the largest ever for the event. Seventh-eight teams from Bishop and Mammoth, Calif., South Tahoe, the Carson Valley, Incline Village, Sparks, North Tahoe, Truckee and Carson City competed in the event.
The event featured boys and girls divisions in 10 and under, 12 and under and14 and under and a 19 and under co-ed division. The tournament has grown large enough for two separate competive divisions for 10 and under and 12 and under to be held.
Carson won both 10 and under girls divisions, the 12 and under boys Cascade division and took second in the 10 and under boys Sierra division.
Five of Sunday's championship games ended either in overtime or in a penalty kick shootout.
"I was so proud of our regioni for putting on such an incredible tournament for our area," AYSO regional commissioner Jennifer Veneziano said. "From field set up to working the tournament to excellent sportsmanship throughout the weekend to field breakdown our region rose to the occassion and surpassed expectations."
"I am proud to be the (regional commissioner) for Region 140," said Veneziano about Carson City's AYSO organization. "There were so many compliments this weekend and I want you to know what an excellent job was done by you and your parents. All of the kids and coaches are winners in my eyes even if they didn't make the championships."
There were also 125 officials who fill ed 400 officiating assignments throughout the weekend.
"The officials make this tournament safe, fair and fun each year," said Eric Ingbar, who coordinates officials for the event. "This year we had or best effort ever with referees working from 7 each morning to dark. Referees do this because they love giving their tiime to the sport.
"This year, as in many, we had officials ranging in age from 12 to 75 years old. We just can't thank them enough. I think this is proof that there is something for everyone to gain by volunteering in any youth activity."
"It was my first experience with this tournament, and, as a newbie, I can say that everyone involved in the planning was amazing," said Kip Johannsen, a volunteer official from Truckee said. "This is something worth doing for the kids and I will do whatever I can do in the future to help keep it going... Let me know what I can do and I will make every effort to do it."
"Since AYSO soccer is an all-volunteer effort, we rely upon parents and volunteers like Mr. Johannsen," said AYSO area director Yvette Kvasnicka. "Once you get involved, you realize that helping as a coach, a referee, or just a supportive parent is its own wonderful reward."
Tournament results were: 10 and under boys Sierra " First, Bishop; second, Carson. 10 and under boys Cascade " First, Truckee; second, Mammoth. 10 and under girls Sierra " First, Carson; second, Truckee. 10 and under girls Cascade: First, Carson; second, Truckee. 12 and under boys Sierra " First, Bishop; second, Truckee. 12 and under boys Cascade " First, Carson, second Truckee.
12 and under girls Sierra " First, Bishop; second, Truckee. 12 and under girls Sierra " First, Bishop; second, Truckee. 12 and under girls Cascade " First, Mammoth; second, Bishop. 14 and under boys " First, Mammoth; second, Bishop. 14 and under girls " First, South Tahoe; second, Mammoth. 19 and under co-ed: First, Mammoth.