April Ambush is one of our favorite tournaments. Incredible facilities at MTrade Park and Oxford High School, professionally administered, and well attended, this tournament is always a joy to be a part of. Weather was excellent and the soccer was great. DeSoto FC brought several teams to this years event. On the girls’ side, our 2013, 2011, and 2009/10 squads were there. On the boys side, our 2013 gold, 2011, 2009 Premier, and 2008 Elite squads were there representing DeSoto County. 
The 2013 girls took home a championship in dominating fashion going undefeated 3-0 with 18 goals scored and only 1 allowed! Ambria Jones also took home tournament MVP honors. Coach Josh Metzger has this squad playing in top form.
On the boys’ side, our 2013 gold squad also earned runners-up for the weekend. They went 2-2 with 11 goals scored and 7 goals allowed. They faced off against a very tough Arkansas Revolution squad that is ranked 106th nationally according to Sinc Sports. The Revolution had not allowed a goal all weekend and DeSoto FC defender, Jackson Hardaway put one in the net from distance to tie it up 1-1 at halftime. Hardaway almost did it again in the second half, but the shot sailed wide right, just off frame. DeSoto FC eventually fell 2-1 on a breakout goal that got past goalkeeper Arian “The Bull” Cross. It is great to see these guys playing at such a high level. The sky is the limit for this group.
Our 2009 Premier squad is one of our hardest-working groups we have. They play with incredible passion and determination. They really have something to prove and this weekend shows it. They went 2-1 with 12 goals scored and 2 allowed. They brought home runners-up honors after shutout wins in their first two matches only to fall to a very tough Tupelo FC squad 0-2 in the finals. One thing is for sure, they will be hard at work to keep the results coming!
Our 2008 boys are the largest squad we have. While our Premier squad was in Jackson making their claim in the Mississippi Competitive League for a spot in the US Youth Soccer Regional Premier Cup, our Elite squad was in Oxford at April Ambush. The Elite squad has struggled to find cohesiveness in the fall, but it looks like things are starting to come together for them. After a hard fought 2-1 opening match, they met an Oxford team that is ranked 110th nationally and were humbled 4-0. Hoping to recover Sunday morning, they had a disappointing 2-2 draw that felt like old habits trying to rear their ugly heads. With 2nd place on the line, they were up to the task. A hat trick from striker Hayden McNeil sealed the deal and DeSoto FC finished with a 3-0 win.
It was a very good weekend of soccer for everyone in Oxford, Mississippi with smiles all around for all teams, regardless of the result. Is was so encouraging to see players from other DeSoto FC squads staying and watching other age groups and cheering on their friends playing for different DeSoto FC squads. We are Desoto County’s soccer family!