New name, same result for Team Mexico at soccer tournament.
(Image Credit: Ryan Dorgan JHN&G)
It was another Ted Jonke Invitational and another win for Jair Aleman and his teammates on Team Morales. While their team name may be different — they were formerly Team Mexico — the core on this year’s squad had been together for the past six tournaments.
In the final the Morales squad squared off with fellow La Liga league foe San Jose. San Jose was fresh off a physical 1-0 win over Jackson Hole FC earlier that morning in its semifinal.
“They have many skilled players and are a pretty high-quality team here locally,” said team captain Aleman of the opposing side amid the post-game celebration.
After being down one for much of the first half after an early strike from San Jose, Morales found an equalizer a bit before half. However, the comfort of a tie was in serious jeopardy near the 50th minute when a handball in the box was whistled, giving San Jose a penalty kick.
The San Jose striker rang it off the post as the Morales faithful exhaled in relief. With little more time in regular play, the Ted Jonke championship was to be decided on penalties.
“It was a great team win, and everyone chipped in all weekend,” said goalkeeper Ozzy Oseguera. “I was ready in net for penalties and didn’t think we’d miss many.”
Morales, fresh off a win in penalties versus Mexico in the semifinal, embodied the poise Oseguera alluded to. The first three shooters sent strikes into the back netting without hesitation. That shifted all the pressure to the foot San Jose’s fourth shooter to keep its chances alive.
Oseguera, of Blackfoot, Idaho, stood tall and came up with the save on the final shot, and the boisterous Morales faithful erupted as many secured their fourth straight Jonke title.
“I am so happy to be champions of this tournament,” said Aleman of the win. “Tournaments like this one are some of our favorites. It is very important to us to win and represent well at these [regional tournaments].”
The competitive fire was clear all day as fans blanketed the sidelines of the high school turf fields, cheering and jeering for the duration of the match. Despite some close calls the passion on the pitch and the sidelines was kept in check much of the weekend.
Overall, the weekend saw the strong Intermountain West soccer community come together for a great weekend of football. With teams from Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana all traveling to the valley to honor, as always, one of Jackson’s soccer pioneers, Ted Jonke.
Aleman reflected on the weekend, saying, “All the players, the coaches, the organizers, they help make this possible. I love this game and want to dedicate this win to my family in my home country.”
Comments