Crimson United Gave Us All Dream Season

By MICHAEL HIATT Special to the Palisadian-Post Several weekends ago, a group of local 10-, 11- and 12-year-old boys completed one of the most successful seasons any Palisades-based youth soccer team ever has. Dubbed the Crimson United, they advanced all the way to the AYSO Tri-Sectionals in the U-12 division, one of only four teams out of over 2,000 to make it that far. I was one of the few lucky enough to share the experience with them. The season included plenty of thrilling come-from-behind victories and even a couple of heartbreaking defeats. But in the end, Crimson United finished as Region 69 runner-ups and Section 1 champions and did so with character. Even in games in which it trailed, the team never wavered. In the regional finals, United lost to Culver City by one goal, but advanced to the Sectionals as a wildcard and eventually bested the same team on penalty kicks. At the Tri-Sectionals, our Palisades team took third, losing only to eventual champion Downey in overtime. Much of United’s success was due to its head coach, Manny Ghaffari, who consistently pushed his team to compete hard, give more and take risks. Above all, he was fair and respected his players. If they were unhappy with one of his decisions or didn’t understand, he encouraged them to ask why. United was a team that always seemed to rally. Goalies Casey Jordan and Daniel Davis never let a bad goal phase them. There were many injuries, but the team could find a way to win, even without its best all-around player, Turner Hanley, who sat out two games with an injury. Another setback came when defender Jordan Lewis broke his arm early in the season, only to return to make game-saving contributions in the playoffs. Young players like Cole Kahrilis, Barton Richman, Kevin Walker, Stephan Callas and Oliver De Bravennes developed their games. Naturally, the team had reliable scorers as well in Shervin Ghaffari and Parker Hiatt, both of whom developed into impact players and leaders. As a parent of a player, I’ve been involved in AYSO for more than six years. I’ve taken on team responsibilities, developed an appreciation for the game and even learned a few skills as an assistant coach. Crimson United gave myself and everyone involved in their magical run memories that will last a lifetime.