Soccer Tournament Brings 106 Teams to Two Towns

For over a quarter of a century, more than 2,700 club soccer teams have participated in the Cougar Soccer Club Memorial Day Tournament, thrilling local soccer enthusiasts and raising funds for the Columbia High School soccer program. This year, 106 teams from the tri-state area (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut) participated competitively—including boys and girls teams ranging from ages U9-U19. All games were played on South Orange and Maplewood fields.

Saturday morning's events began with the Mini Kickers and MSO Kickers, ranging in age from 3 to 7 years old, playing at Floods Hill in South Orange. Following that, Cougar Academy had a round robin tournament. 

The competitions for U9-U19 teams began Friday evening at 6 p.m. and concluded at 1 p.m. Monday. The Spartans—the Cougar U19 Boys team made up of primarily CHS players—won in overtime in the finals against Westfield. The Cougar U19 Girls team made it to the final game, losing to Skylands Wildcats 2-0.

For more results you can visit cougarsoccerclub.com and click on tournament.

In addition to the many volunteers who are already a part of Cougar Soccer Club, many Columbia High School players and parents volunteered to run the tournament. Proceeds benefit the six CHS soccer teams.

Cougar Soccer Club President Derek Romanaux told Patch that he wishes to extend his thanks to all the volunteers and the South Orange and Maplewood recreation departments for another successful tournament. Tony Paolini and Kyle Yearick were this year's tournament directors.