Day one is complete in Sioux Falls -- Jun 20 2009 -- US Youth Soccer Regional Championships

Max McKiernan:
After a day of rough travel, Javanon 92 was prepared to face Pacesetter from Ohio North; however, it first seemed that some of us may not even make it to the game. Many of us, myself included, were plagued by flight delays and cancellations, but fortunately everyone was able to make it to Sioux Falls by game time.

For our team, this year is very different from the last. Instead of being just another contender, we have a much larger target on our backs as the defending regional champions. We've handled the extra pressure well thus far in the season, and I expect us to continue to do so in this tournament.

I didn't sense that our team was nervous this time around. Most of us seem very businesslike and are just ready to keep winning so that we can advance. As for the game against Pacesetter, we didn't get off to the positive start we were looking for.

We gave up a goal in the 5th minute on a quick counter after a corner, but we weren't rattled. We answered quickly with an equalizer by striker Tyler Riggs and the subsequent go-ahead goal coming from a left-footed set piece by winger Will Vitalis.

We entered halftime with a 2-1 lead despite the physical play, and we continued to push our style of soccer in the second half. We were able to break them down again as Riggs assisted Vitalis to give us the 3-1 lead.

Vitalis then won a huge tackle in the Pacesetter backfield before proceeding to score the third goal for his hat trick, giving us a 4-1 lead. We were definitely carrying the momentum, but with Pacesetter's perseverance and some changes in the Javanon lineup, Pacesetter scored two goals.

The lead was cut to 4-3 with about 10 minutes to play, but we were able to turn it back around. After coming in late on an attempt to tackle me, a Pacesetter player was sent off with a straight red card.

Pacesetter continued taking risks by pushing numbers forward to find the equalizer, allowing Cullen Hall to break free to score a fifth goal for us, ending the match 5-3. We were disappointed that we let Pacesetter back into the game, but we were pleased that we were able to find a win when we weren't playing our best.

We face the South Dakota champions tomorrow, and we're excited for the opportunity to get ourselves back on track.