The Spring 2004 season saw the Arlington Fusion play to an undefeated record, 5-0-3, and win Division 2 for the Old Dominion Soccer League.  While the team recorded more draws than we would have liked, all of the results were hard fought and well earned. We finished the season with a strong 4 goals against total.

 

 

The additions of Brandon, Julian, Matt, and Andrew played a large part in our success by providing the team with some much needed depth and diversity from defense all they way to our front line. Through strong goaltending, Alex kept the Fusion in many a match with his quick reflexes and team leadership. This was the most apparent during a tough 1-1 draw with the Vista Tazmanian Devils. PJ, while not able to see as much time in the cage, assisted in the Midfield and in the Attack, providing the breakaway goal in our 1-0 win over the BAC Foo Fighters. Fitz gets not only the Most Improved Player award, but the most diverse player as he rotated through the lineup, as sweeper, outside and cental midfielder, as well as attacker. Our powerful front line was managed by Victor, Brandon, Yates and Coda. Their talent and depth provided a relentless attack on our opponents. As central midfielders, Luis and Jason provided a balance between soft touch passes and long deep clearances down the wings. Hote, Mason and Andrew showed their strengths as outside midfielders with each of them recording at least 1 goal this season. Julian, Sean and Matt were the Fusion's solid outside defenders showing their versatility by playing either side of the field and their instincts as they constantly locked in opposing teams in their defensive third of the field. That tough defensive line was held in place by our outstanding sweeper/stopper combination of Hank and Chris. Not only did they have the tough task of keeping the defense together, they also deserve credit for never rotating off the field.

 

The Fusion showed that hard work (most of the time) and dedication do bring positive results. We look forward to next season in Division 1 and our end of the season tournament, Loudon's Summer's Here Tournament at the end of June.

This past Memorial Day holiday, the Arlington Fusion competed in the Bull Run Challenge in Manassas, VA.  While the team worked hard, the results did not go our way.

 

For our first match, the Fusion were faced against a division opponent, the Reston Cobras. Just as during the regular season, a 0-0 draw was the final result. Both teams had the opportunity to score, but neither could quite finish. The second match of the day, found the Fusion getting a positive result against the FCSC Fusion, 3-2. This game found Yates, Hote, and Brandon finding the back of the net. With a good point total, the Fusion went into Sunday morning confident in their game. However, once again, early morning blues again found us unable to capitalize and secure the win. The Great Falls Warriors and Fusion split the points in another 0-0 draw.

 

Without the needed points, the Fusion's tournament hopes ended on a disappointing note.

 

While the weekend was not quite what we'd expected, it was a good learning and team building experience for the boys, as we protected the unbeaten record.