The 2008 Boys Red Team, under the leadership of Head Coach Dave Molisee, recently wrapped up a successful trip to the GLA College Showcase, where they demonstrated not only their skill on the field but also their strong team spirit. The event, which took place in Ohio, marked the team's first major outing of the 2024-25 season and proved to be an important stepping stone in their development as both players and a cohesive unit.

The team kicked off their weekend with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against a talented Liverpool FC ECNL squad from the Ann Arbor, Michigan area. Coach Molisee described the game as an even matchup, with both teams struggling to create significant chances in the first half. Despite the stalemate, the players' determination and resilience were evident, setting the stage for the rest of the weekend.

"We started the weekend off with a 0-0 draw against a good Liverpool FC team," Coach Molisee noted. "It was a tough game, but both teams had trouble creating chances. It was a solid start to the weekend."

On Saturday afternoon, the team faced Cleveland Force FC, and like their first game, the score remained 0-0 at halftime. But this time, the boys came out strong in the second half, capitalizing on counter-attacks to secure a 2-0 victory. The second-half performance was a standout, with the team showing great chemistry and clinical finishing.

"We were able to create several opportunities off the counter," said Molisee. "In the second half, we took our chances well and came away with a 2-0 victory. It was an important win, and I think it showed how far the team has come in terms of game management."

The team's third match saw them face a very talented Erie Villareal squad, and the game proved to be one of the most intense of the weekend. The team came out strong, creating several early chances, but it wasn't until halfway through the first half that they found the back of the net via a well-executed set piece. Erie Villareal controlled much of the possession, but the boys defended resolutely, denying their opponents any clear-cut opportunities. With just under 10 minutes left in the game, the team sealed the victory with another goal, finishing 2-0.

"We started off really well, creating chances early on, and finally got a goal off a set piece," Molisee recalled. "The next 30 minutes we really defended well. Erie moved the ball around, but they couldn’t get into the final third. We were able to ice the game with about seven minutes left to seal the 2-0 win."

Despite the results on the scoreboard, the most significant takeaway for the boys was the camaraderie and team spirit they shared throughout the weekend. Coach Molisee noted that the team has been together for several years, and their bond off the field is a key factor in their success. With many players just returning from their high school seasons, the chance to reunite and train together was a moment of excitement.

"The team has been together for the most part of four years now," said Molisee. "They're a tight-knit group, and they follow each other throughout the year. Coming back together was exciting for everyone, and the training sessions were filled with great energy and a strong work ethic from day one."

That camaraderie was evident throughout the weekend, and Coach Molisee emphasized that the time spent together was just as rewarding as the victories on the field.

"The boys were excited with the results from the weekend, but also just the time spent together," he said. "That’s something this team really values — the time on and off the field together. It’s what makes this group so special."

For Coach Molisee, the weekend’s success was not just about winning games but about developing the players both as individuals and as a team. The focus on hard work, good habits, and personal growth is central to the team’s philosophy.

"Winning comes from good habits, hard work, and dedication to the team and the game," Molisee explained. "The main goal is for these players to grow each time they step onto the field — as players and as young men. Everything else will fall into place as it should."

The coach also highlighted how the weekend’s performance helped the boys push themselves to succeed without fear of failure. "This weekend, the boys were challenged both as individuals and as a team. They found a way to achieve positive results and rise to the occasion. That’s what we’re focused on."

As the team moves into their winter training period, Coach Molisee is focused on maintaining the momentum from their successful weekend. After allowing the players some recovery time, the plan is to shift focus toward individual development, before gradually transitioning to more team-based training as they prepare for the spring season.

"We will use this momentum to continue getting better," Molisee said. "We’ll focus on individual needs early on, then shift to more team-based training as we get closer to the spring and the next events and league play."

The GLA College Showcase also offered valuable exposure to college recruiters, a key aspect of the event for players hoping to continue their soccer careers at the collegiate level. Many players had the opportunity to visit local colleges in the Canton/Akron area, and the competition provided a stage for them to showcase their skills in front of coaches.

"We choose events in areas that the players may be looking to attend college in," Molisee explained. "The boys were able to visit local colleges, and hopefully, some of them played well enough to catch the attention of coaches in attendance. These events give our players the chance to compete against top-tier teams and gain exposure that could help them in their college recruitment process."