Unlike today's economy, the SF Seals Pyros U16 Boys team is experiencing solid, steady growth and success. In just one year of existence, the team has grown to two competitive squads, is threatening to branch out to another U15 team, and this past March 12th/13th stepped up to their first Gold Division/Class 1 tournament - the 2012 Diablo Cup, in Concord CA. The Diablo Cup was this Seals' squad's first serious test to see if the young Seals-Pyros had the mettle to compete at this level.

They answered that question on Day One with a workman-like "Bring 'em On". Coach Shani Simpson adapted the Seals' passing, ball control game to a more direct game to accommodate the long, slow grass conditions, with great results. In Game One of the day, the Young Seals stung their Mustang Soccer Club opponents with a quick, early goal and took control of the game for a 2-1 win. The only opposition goal being a late "gift" PK from a Seals defensive mistake. The Seal's well-earned, "highlight reel" strikes came from attacking midfielders Nick Silva and Gabe Kaufman.

Game Two pitted the Seals U16 against the Walnut Creek Diablos. Again, the Seals struck first with Gabe Kaufman's second goal of the day. Then came a Diablos' leveler - a fluke loose-ball "squibbler" across the goal line from a corner kick. As the Seals pushed back with sustained pressure up top, striker Easweh Harrison bundled up a beautiful through ball, work hard to fight off and turn his defender, then rifled the winning shot past an onrushing Keeper and into the net. Throughout both contests, the steady Seals defense, lead by hard-nosed and oft-acrobatic Keeper Connor Anderson, absorbed and shut down each probe and attack from their opponents. The Seals "D" felt they earned two clean sheets that day - if not for the gift goal in each game.

Now, in their first-ever Gold/Class 1 competition, the up-start Seals boys suddenly could contemplate a Championship game berth ... if they could take their third, Sunday group match. But it was not to be. For in that third game, the Seals-Pyros came up against the powerhouse, Premier-level squad, the Diablo FC, ranked 10th in Northern California . The Diablo FC demonstrated their high state ranking with superb organization and fast-paced, accurate passing, knocking our Seals Squad out of Championship game contention ... but also showing our boys the benchmark for where this Seals-Pyros U16 team wants to be  .. and plans to be ... in another year's time.

The U16 Seals-Pyros could walk away with heads held high from their first-ever Gold Division/ Class 1 competition ... with a 2-1 final line - the third best record, out of 8 teams, in a highly ranked tournament. A promising start in the U16 Seals' climb to this new competitive plateau.

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