State Cup soccer champs includes two local players

Two Taylorsville soccer players know what it’s like to come out on top. Defender Sam Spracklen and striker Ryan Crowther were among a 16-member Red Hot FC ’94 boys soccer team that won the U-18 State Cup by penalty kicks 4-2 over Sparta Premier PR on Oct. 22.

The boys have been a part of the club since it started in 2009 and, in just three years, have helped the team achieve the highest honor for a Utah club program.

Despite coming in as the ninth-ranked team in the tournament – and facing a difficult draw – the squad defeated the No. 1 team, La Roca, 3-1. In the second round, Red Hot FC ’94 defeated Sparta Premier LS 1-0 to reach the quarterfinals, where they defeated Blue Knights Premier 2-1. The semifinals were a rematch against the Sparta Premier LS squad, and the result was the same: they won on penalty kicks 5-4.

The Red Hot FC ’94 squad found themselves down 2-0 at halftime in the State Cup final and gave up another goal just minutes into the second half. With 16:37 left in the game, they finally scored a goal and proceeded to tie the game at 3-3, and send the game to overtime. For the second game in a row, the outcome was decided on penalty kicks, with Red Hot FC ’94 winning 4-2. In winning the State Cup, the Red Hot FC ’94 team advanced to the Far West Regional tournament to be held in Phoenix in June 2012.

The team is seeking corporate or private sponsors or donors in fundraising efforts to get the team to the regional tournament in Phoenix next year. Players will be selling Lehi Roller Mills mixes and jewelry at the Rocky Mountain Christmas Show in South Jordan Dec. 2-3, and at the “What a Woman Wants” show at the Southtowne Expo Center Dec. 9-10. Those interested in helping the team can also contact John Green at (801) 230-8618 or Cindy Todd at (801) 520-3144.