In what may have been the most exciting games in the 2007 WSYSA Championship, the NWN BU13 Arsenal displayed true heart, valor and determination in accomplishing what some thought was impossible; defeating the two-time defending state champion WPFC team 2-0 to capture the State Cup Championship Sunday (3/18) at Harry E. Lang Stadium. 

WPFC began the game with an impressive series of possessions in which they dominated the run a play for the first 10 minutes.  Arsenal found it’s rhythm and began to stretch WPFC with solid play from two front running forwards and soon regained the confidence and poise that brought them to the title game. 

Arsenal struck first on a powerful header goal delivered from a perfect corner kick.  Arsenal’s Defender rose above all others to bury the ball in the back of the WPFC net.  Now playing with a slight one goal lead, Arsenal worked to spread the field.  Once again both forwards used their speed to stretch the WPFC’s defense and promote defensive several mistakes.  Arsenal’s defense provided incredible work ethic and organization to shut down the most dangerous attacking player in the state.  Once the Arsenal defense did it’s job, the MF worked hard to win knock downs, track runners and negate most dangerous opportunities by WPFC. 

Halftime – 1-0 Arsenal

Both teams started the second half the same way they started the game.  The crowd was alive with excitement.  WPFC parents cheering on their team and NWN supporters cheering on ours.  It was a great state cup environment.  With both teams enjoying play in the first 10 minutes, Arsenal’s speedy forward broke free down the right flank, beat one player and was taken down in the WPFC penalty area.  The referee correctly blew his whistle and pointed to the spot – PK!

One of Arsenal’s midfielders calmly stepped up to the spot, put the ball down, waited for the whistle and calmly fired a shot into the right side netting – unstoppable shot. 

Arsenal, 2 WPFC, 0

Now in control of the scoreboard, the Arsenal defense increased its tenacity and withstood some very creative attacks.  The WPFC coaching staff was working feverishly to make lineup changes, systems of play and WPFC players were responding giving everything they had to get a goal.  A single goal would have dramatically changed the game. 

10 minutes to go.

WPFC was now going full speed ahead and Arsenal was up to the challenge.  Every player was working hard for every tackle, 50/50 ball & clearance.  WPFC was putting Arsenal under pressure and looking for a single opportunity to get back in the game.  As minutes and seconds ticked the crowd noise became overwhelming.  Every tackle, every time an Arsenal player won the ball, a HUGE cheer swelled from the stadium stands.

5 minutes to go

Now from the stands – led by parents and echoed by Rayos, BU12 Red and many other NWN players fans chanted “Arsenal – Arsenal – Arsenal….”  This gave the boys on the field the necessary energy to fend off the most potent offensive team in the state. 

Final Whistle

Washington State has a new State Champion – Northwest Nationals BU13 Arsenal! 

Congratulations to the boys for their determination, hard work and persistence.  Congratulations to coaches Charles Granade and Roger Levesque for a brilliant game plan and for their hard work in preparation for this tremendous victory!  Congratulations to the players and parents for WPFC – a very classy group of parents and players and a great group of players that have been taught how to play this great game by great WPFC coaches.

You did it boys!

GO NATIONALS!