2011 Icebreaker: VISTA Eagles 98 defeat McLean Celtic Gold 5-2

McLean Celtic Gold coach Rick Landis was pleased with his team’s efforts in the opening stages of the PWSI Icebreaker tournament Saturday, where McLean split its first two games in the U12B Gold group.

“We’re enjoying it,” Landis said following a 5-2 loss to VISTA Eagles 98, leaving the team with a 1-1 mark to open the tournament at Howison Park in Woodbridge.

He said McLean Celtic Gold has played better against VISTA Eagles 98, as the two teams see each other in Old Dominion Soccer League play.

VISTA Eagles 98 started strong, with #14 scoring first, followed by a goal from number six to go up 2-0 in the first half.

McLean Celtic Gold pulled a goal back, with #11 scoring early in the second half, but VISTA Eagles 98 followed that up with two goals in quick succession, and scored its fifth later in the half before #2 pulled a goal back

Landis thought the level of competition of each bracket was strong, and said he looked forward to getting his team accustomed to playing outdoors again.

“It’s a preseason tournament, so we’re working out the old winter cobwebs and playing at a quicker pace,” Landis said.