Soccer teams from Branson, Harrison and Nixa competed for the COPA DE ESTACA on Saturday, October 19, from 9 to 3 pm. This was the third annual soccer tournament that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints South Stake hosted. Johnathon Astorga coordinated the event and was also one of the referees. Johnathon stated this annual event brings communities together to enjoy the soccer tournament. Men and women teams ages 15 and up were invited to participate. Youth ages 12 to 14 were also invited to compete. Family members, friends and neighbors sat on the bleachers or tried to follow along the sidelines as they watched the games. It was a sunny day and everyone appreciated that.
There was a team wearing yellow shirts who were named Galacticos, a team wearing blue shirts named Lamanitos, a team wearing black shirts, and a team wearing red shirts.
A young couple named Roberto and Oliy brought their three children to enjoy the tournament and Stockstill Park. They have enjoyed tournaments for years. Roberto stated, "I could see this sport grow to benefit the community and build a great tournament." They have a small Mexican restaurant in Blue Eye named Las Casitas. He had many ideas to encourage the community to build on this idea of the soccer tournaments.
Two young men who were on a break were asked why they enjoy soccer. Khalil from Jamaica and Brigham from Belize, both wearing blue team shirts, said they "began playing soccer when they were five years old." Khalil said he "grew up playing soccer with his cousins." He also said "it's one of the most popular sports, and I like this sport." The Blue team named Lamanitas won the tournament.
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