Club León Los Angeles - Gallery

This weekend was emotionally and physically exhausting.

Taking our boys to the LA Cup reminded me, once again, why youth soccer is about so much more than trophies.

Leading up to the tournament, we received far less support than we had hoped. We had opportunities to invite guest players at the last minute to strengthen our roster, and for a moment I considered it. But after watching the way our boys competed in the second game, I realized they deserved something even more valuable than reinforcement—they deserved the chance to prove to themselves that they could compete as a team.

These are the same kids who have been with our club since the beginning, four years ago. They've grown together, struggled together, celebrated together, and continue to learn together. They still have so much to experience, both the victories and the disappointments that shape not only soccer players, but young people.

I've never believed in taking 18 players to a tournament. For me, 15 is enough. Every child deserves meaningful minutes on the field, not just a spot on the bench.

Our tournament tested us immediately. In the first game, we lost two players to red cards for a silly incident and other player to a head injury, leaving them unavailable for the second match.

For the second match, one of our substitutes was younger and less experienced, but he stepped onto the field with incredible courage. Even when I asked if he needed a break, he looked at me and simply said, "No." I could see how grateful he was for the opportunity, and he gave everything he had.

Our other substitute was our backup goalkeeper. He willingly gave up his chance to play in goal because he knew the team needed him on the field more. Despite not regularly playing that position, he had an outstanding tournament. After suffering a head injury in the first game, he was told to rest for the remainder of the match. Yet he came back and continued to fight for his teammates after he was cleared.

After our second game, two more players had to leave, leaving us with just one substitute—our goalkeeper, who was being asked to play out of position.

Before the third game, I gathered the team and asked a simple question:

"Should I call other players to come help us?"

Without hesitation, they answered:

"No. We can do it."

They believed in themselves.

And I believed in them.

In 107-degree heat, our midfielders ran for an entire match without complaining. They battled through exhaustion, supported one another, and never gave up. When the final whistle blew, they had earned a 2-0 victory.

Those smiles after the game reminded me why we do this.

Of course, it hurts to watch another team lift the championship trophy. It's impossible not to wonder, "What if we had just a little more help?"

But then I remind myself that our mission has never been to chase trophies at all costs.

Our mission is to develop players. To build confidence. To teach resilience. To create opportunities.

Winning is wonderful, but character is built during moments like these—when things don't go your way, when you're tired, when you're short-handed, when the odds are against you, and you still choose to fight.

Disappointment is part of sports. Failure is part of life.

These are experiences every child should learn to face, not fear.

One day these boys may forget the scores from this tournament. They may forget who won the trophy.

But I hope they never forget what they proved to themselves this weekend—that belief, sacrifice, teamwork, and heart can accomplish far more than anyone expects.

And as exhausted as I feel after every tournament, seeing those smiles at the end always reminds me why I keep coming back.

With Love & Gratitude,

Coach Martha