Pushing to the playoffs: AMICC adult co-ed soccer heats up

Not only is the weather heating up on Anna Maria Island, but so is the adult co-ed soccer season at the Anna Maria Island Community Center. With only one regular game left in the spring season, this week’s action on the pitch will not disappoint. In the adult soccer league, the point system determines the standings, and the four matches on Thursday night will determine the playoff bracket with games starting on Thursday, July 2. Each game matters.

The points leader so far this season, Team 11mangang, battled against Island Pest Control Team smiledeep last Thursday night. Team smiledeep is one of four teams with a tied record going into the last week of regular season play with a total of nine points.

Rico Beissert, for Team 11mangang, scored first for his team. The captain for Team 11mangang, Kris Yavalar, led his team to victory with two goals, including a penalty kick.

Each team was supported with strong play by their female players. Lexi Braxton for Team 11mangang and Alta Bujarski holding the backline for Island Pest Control. Beth Barnes, newcomer for Team 11mangang, showed her team tenacity and aggressive play.

With impressive teamwork and passing, Team smiledeep’s Danny Anderson scored with an assist by Adam Bujarski. Teammate Steve Oelfke found the goal, re-igniting the team with only minutes left on the clock.

Team 11mangang held on for the victory, with the help of its goalie with 13 saves. Island Pest Control’s goalie Josh Bernet had nine saves, keeping the score close. Team 11mangang’s 3-2 victory gave it the critical points needed to place it on top of the league’s standings.

This week’s match-ups have second place Sato Real Estate Team powwowder playing Eason Builders Team Unity at 6 p.m. Wash Family Construction Team idigthisisland battles Team 11mangang in the second game of the night. At 8 p.m., Island Pest Control Team smiledeep goes head-to-head against Slims Place Team optimisticool. Team Rebellion, in the final game of the regular season, goes up against LaPensee Plumbing Team Lion.

The Sun Scoreboard

Tuesday, June 16 - Adult Basketball

Team Spacondra 60
Team Kern 82

Team Ray 67
Gator Man 75

Thursday, June 18 - Adult Soccer

Team 11ManGang 3
Island Pest Control Team smiledeep 2

Team Rebellion 5

Wash Family Construction
Team idigthisisland 4

Slims Place – Team optimisticool3
Eason Builders – Team Unity 1

LaPensee Plumbing Team Lion 2
Sato Real Estate Team powwowder 1