The U-14 Garden City Thunderbolts coached by Bill Metzler had a respectable tournament over Columbus Day weekend and looked as if they were destined for glory after the first day when they won matches against the Weatherfield Wizards who just did not have enough tricks to win and the West Hartford Warriors who clearly "came out to play" but fell short. One unfortunate casualty of Saturday afternoon's victory was the loss of super sweeper Joe Randazzo who sustained a shoulder injury and was carted off to the hospital by the Windsor EMTs. The entire team wishes Joe a speedy recovery.

Their only loss in the entire tournament came in a heartbreaking Sunday afternoon game against the Connecticut team from Somers in which Garden City fell behind 1-0 in the last four seconds of the first half. They tied it up one all in the second half and it looked like the game would end in a tie when history repeated itself with Somers scoring the go-ahead goal seconds before the final whistle blew. It was a tough loss in a very close game.

Just before sundown on Sunday, the Thunderbolts played in a zero all stalemate against the Newtown Cobras. On Monday, the boys from Garden City had a convincing 2-0 win against the Suffield Wildcats. Just like last year, the Thunderbolts secured a respectable second place in the most competitive Poquonock division. Just like last year, a single goal separated the Thunderbolts from a first place win. The defense, net keepers, midfield and offense should all be proud of their accomplishments. With only three goals against over the course of five games and just one very close loss, they can hold their heads high.

This was the last year at Windsor for the U-14 Thunderbolts whose players have competed in the event for the past five years. The children who started playing the sport at St. Pauls in the Pre-K division are now young men who will be in high school next year. The agenda for this Columbus Day weekend tournament is undeniably all about soccer. At game time, the boys play their hearts out for three days as their parents and siblings cheer for them with devotion and fervor.

This Windsor tournament has, however, transcended the game of soccer and has become a tradition for Garden City families who pack their SUVs and head north to get a glimpse of the New England Fall foliage, bond with other families as they dine on somewhat edible hotel buffet food and party through evening with a spirited DJ. Trips to Six Flags, the mini golf and go-cart parks or local bowling alley provide entertainment to fill in the gaps.

In the years to come few, if any, of the players will remember the scores of the games in which they played, whether they played midfield or defense or precisely which teams won it all. What they will remember is the comradery with their teammates, both on the field or playing elevator tag, and the priceless family time that was spent up in Windsor over the past five seasons. Good luck to the Thunderbolts, both as a team and individually, both on and off the field. They are a fine group of young men who also happen to be talented soccer players.