Locals take on nation's elite soccer players

Javanon’s U16s, featuring Jeffersonville’s Trevor Bruner and New Albany’s Keenan Sparks, took on best teams in the country last week and proved it was not out of place at the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships in Little Rock, Ark.

The journey may have started with two consecutive losses for the defensive duo and their teammates, but it ended with a victory —and the realization that the area’s players can compete with youth soccer’s elite.

The tournament at Burns Park Soccer Complex saw 56 boys’ and girls’ clubs from U14 through U19 battle to become best in the nation. They had risen above 10,000 teams and more than 185,000 players from 55 state associations.

Javanon got off to an immediate flyer. In the first game against Real So Cal of California, a goal from Tyler Riggs in the 23rd minute — on a blistering shot from 25 yards out — and a follow-up goal by Jack Goblirsch in the 35th minute put the Louisville side ahead 2-0 at the break.

However, Real So Cal produced an impressive second-half rally, as Javanon struggled collectively to deal with the heat. Goals in the 43rd and 54th minutes saw the Californians knot the score, and it used its new-found energy and skill to finish off the job with goals in the 71st and 79th minutes.

Somewhat deflated, Javanon put up a brave showing against YMS Explosion of eastern Pennsylvania — which also lost its first game — the following morning. An unfortunate own goal in the 18th minute put YMS ahead and it held on for a 1-0 victory, with Javanon failing to capitalize on its scoring opportunities.

Javanon coach Tim Chastonay told The Evening News & Tribune, “The boys were definitely down after losing the 2-0 lead (against Real So Cal) and ultimately losing the game, but came back strong the next day (against YMS). They played a more complete game on the second day, but just could not find the net.”

Knowing that it would not be progressing to the final, the boys were determined not to return home without a win, and made sure that would not be the case with a battling 2-1 victory against Lower Marion Velez, also from Eastern Pennsylvania.

It didn’t start all that well for Javanon, which fell behind behind after only two minutes. But goals from Will Vitalis in the 26th minute and Brycen Howard in the 71st ensured that the team returned home with three points from three games.

“I think they definitely learned a bit individually what they need to work on and then what we needed to do better as a team," said Chastonay. “They left in high spirits after the third game and looked as if they really wanted to get back to this position.”

Mike Sparks, father of Keenan, a student at Providence, said it was an amazing achievement that his son even appeared at the tournament, given what he had to overcome as a young child.

“To think 16 years ago, that my little baby boy, born with club feet (both feet were turned 90 degrees inward and 90 degrees upward toward the shins) would take the pitch for a national championship someday is just awesome,” he said. “Keenan didn't even walk until he was about 18 months. He wore casts, braces, open-toed corrective shoes, and had two surgeries on his tendons just so he could walk.”

Terri Bruner, manager of Javanon and parent of Trinity student Trevor, described the tournament as “a great experience.”

“The boys did realize that they can compete with the best and are already setting goals for next year,” she said.

Dallas Texans, a team Javanon didn't take on in pool play, went on to win the tournament, beating Real So Cal 2-0 in the final.

The U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships two-hour highlight show will air on the Fox Soccer Channel on Aug. 9 at 1 p.m.