Babson Park, Fla. - After winning the Crooked Lake Cup against local rivals Warner, alongside qualifying for the Sun Conference playoffs, the Warriors celebrated senior day this past Saturday, finding themselves against the Gyrenes of Ave Maria University. The Warriors wore pink in aid of Joey Lteif's Mom, Rena, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

Before the action got underway, the seniors were remembered for their dedication to the program. Coach Cockburn gave his comments on each of the seniors.

“Everton has spent four years of his life at Webber and is a guy you can count on for anything. His leadership skills are irreplaceable, especially when it comes to motivating the team. He's a hard working individual who strived to improve with every practice.”

“Christian has also been with us for four years, in which time I have seen him grow as a player and a person. He's a natural born winner with an overwhelming passion for the beautiful game. Despite having his ups and downs, I couldn't have asked for more effort from one of the most consistent players I have ever coached.”

“Niclas has just completed his second year of playing at Webber, after transferring from Monroe Community College, in Monroe County, New York. Although Nic spent some of his time dealing with injuries, he continued to fight for his place in the team, scoring several goals in the process.”

“Craig also transferred from community college in New York, but came from North Country Community College in Saranac Lake, New York. Over two years Craig has proved a crucial asset to the program, with a desire to improve every day. His hard work and dedication was rewarded this year when his fellow teammates voted him as one of two captains for the Warriors.”

“Andy transferred from North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City, Iowa. He certainly proved himself as a solid defender who wasn't afraid to get stuck in. Andy was the team joker and will be sorely missed by everyone.”

Tolga Turhan - Defender - Bad Salzuflen, Germany:

“Tolga has just finished his second year with us, but is graduating due to his credits from Germany. Tolga is one of the nicest guys you could ever wish to meet, who works hard both on the pitch and in the classroom. Despite having a slight setback this season due to injury, he put in some phenomenal performances to regain his place in the team. I still fail to understand what he is saying, but can't deny how much the team will miss having him around.”

“Miguel was born to play soccer. He's a man that lets his feet do the talking, which he has continued to prove this year. Miguel's goal was a crucial part of our recent victory over Warner, and I hope he continues to impress on and off the field after graduation.”

The Warriors didn't take long to get off the mark. It was in the 6^th minute when Joey Lteif played the ball into the path of Miguel Otero, whose finesse proved why he will be sorely missed by the Warriors. After taking a perfect touch to control the ball, he calmly placed it into back on the net.

After taking their time to settle into the game, the Warriors made it 2-0 just past the half hour mark. Matheus Souza provided a through ball for Estevan Lamas, who had visions of Warner when lobbing Ave Maria goalkeeper James Sterling.

It was literally seconds before the break when Esgar Montelongo added to the scoring. Martin Vega did well to attack Ave Maria from the right flank, allowing him to find Montelongo with a driven cross. The energetic Mexican chipped the keeper to score his second goal for the Warriors.

Ten minutes into the second half and another senior got his name on the score sheet. This time Miguel Otero provided the assist, allowing Niclas Kristensen to find the back of the net from close range.

The victory was inevitable when Javier Zorro Sandoval scored his first goal in his college career. Craig Peacock did the hard work when checking in for the ball, before spinning back out and laying it off for the little man from Colombia. Sandoval struck the ball with his right foot and found the bottom left-hand corner of the goal.

The Gyrenes managed to score a goal for their effort but the dust had already settled. They won a free-kick on the edge of the area which saw Alex Komninos rise highest, heading the ball in at the far post.

Coach Cockburn said, “I am proud of my seniors, not only for their dedication to the program, but their leaderships towards the Warriors of tomorrow. We are still on a high after defeating Warner, but we must now turn our attention to Northwood.”