Little Larries U6 'World Cup' teams ‘New Zealand’ vs. ‘Japan'

BRASHER FALLS -- Little Larries Soccer held the first of two nights of its season-ending World Cup between rain storms on Tuesday under the lights at the Tri-Town Community Center.

In the U6 division, two teams battled each in front of siblings, parents and grandparents. The fans were colorful and boisterous. Team Japan and Team New Zealand played two games with only a few goals separating them in the first game and only one in the tighter second game. The U6 level was coached by Morgan Villnave and Isaac Beckstead all season. “Morgan has coached this level for a number of years and Isaac the last two. They do an outstanding job of developing ball skills, sportsmanship, and an understanding of positioning. There are some bright varsity futures at this level” noted Ms. Rose.

In the U10 division, coached by Connor Eldridge and Marc McLaughlin, there was a super tight battle to see who would play France in the final with Sweden narrowly beating out China as the second seed. Two of China’s round robin games went into a shootout with a best of three coming down to the last shooter each time. England started off the night playing shorthanded but finished strong. While the night was much dryer than the day with only a few sprinkles, the final game was called due to lightning with France leading at the time of the final horn.

Little Larries Soccer is a program of Brasher-Stockholm Recreation offering both travel and house teams for levels U6-U18. “The kids have worked hard all summer and this is our way of showing off that hard work to their coaches and loved ones. However, at the same time, we encourage a fanatic fan base with extra goals for teams with typical soccer fans. Some parents could join the American Outlaws” said Julia Rose, program director.

“It’s very rewarding to see the kids get so excited about the World Cup. They come all painted up with creative jerseys and have a ball. There is fierce competition but a lot of sportsmanship. Connor and Mark have done an outstanding job with this level with the assistance of Andrew Lantry and Kiley Jo Converse all summer” said Rose.

“I want to thank the fifteen former and current St. Lawrence Central modified and varsity athletes that supported the kids by assisting with coaching, officiating, event photography, working the concession, keeping score and the official time. I am a strong believer in giving back and they did in spades tonight” said Rose.

Helping make the night go smoothly were Maeve Wells, Shane Rose, Brody Simonds, Cody Meacham, Leah Francis, Drew Rose, Zach St. Hilaire, Eli Kocsis, Carter Rose, Andrew Lantry, Makenzie Taylor, Meaghan Grow, Jarret St. Hilaire, Emily Grow, and Madee Derouchie.

The Little Larries World Cup resume play Thursday night starting at 6 p.m. for the U12 and U18 levels.