Homer was well represented by team Vortex at the North Star Soccer Tournament in Anchorage, July 12-14.

In an exciting game against Velocity White, Vortex tied 2-2. Homer’s passing game and 10 saves by Keeper Charles Rohr kept the opponent’s lead to only two at the half. Then Vortex dug in for a comeback in the second half, with a beautiful pass by Joe Ravin to Charles Rohr who scored, bringing the score to 2-1. An unassisted goal by Charles Rohr tied it up at 2-2, and that’s where the score remained for the last 12 minutes of the game.

Contributing to the final score was Homer Keeper Ali McCarron, with a shut-out of seven saves at the net. In other matches, Vortex went up against Kenai, who went on to become the tournament champions. Vortex lost 6-0, but not before Keeper Ali McCarron had 13 saves to her credit.

In Homer’s game against Velocity Blue of Anchorage, the eventual tournament runners-up, Vortex lost 6-0. The real story of the determination of the Homer and Anchorage teams could be seen in Homer Keeper stats. In the first half, Homer’s Joe Ravin had 13 saves, followed by Charles Rohr with 12 saves in the second half.

Vortex players have been building their individual and team skills together for two years. Their passing game, crucial to outplaying an opponent, and their defense are ever improving. This improvement can be seen in their stats and the scores at the Far North Tournament.