Murray player among those on state soccer champ team

A Murray soccer player knows what it’s like to come out on top. Goalkeeper Spencer Critchfield was among a 16-member Red Hot FC ’94 boys soccer team that won the U-18 State Cup by penalty kicks 4-2 over Sparta Premier PR on Oct. 22.

Critchfield, the son of G.L. and Becky Critchfield of Murray, has been a part of the club since it started in 2009 and, in just three years, has helped the team achieve the highest honor for a Utah club program.

Despite coming in as the ninth-ranked team in the tournament – and facing a difficult draw – the squad defeated the No. 1 team, La Roca, 3-1. In the second round, Red Hot FC ’94 defeated Sparta Premier LS 1-0 0 to reach the quarterfinals where they defeated Blue Knights Premier 2-1. The semifinals were a rematch against the Sparta Premier LS squad and the result was the same: they won on penalty kicks 5-4.

The Red Hot FC ’94 squad found themselves down 2-0 at halftime in the State Cup final and gave up another goal just minutes into the second half. With 16:37 left in the game, they finally scored a goal and proceeded to tie the game at 3 goals each and send the game to overtime. For the second game in a row, the outcome was decided on penalty kicks with Red Hot FC ’94 winning 4-2.

“It’s so hard to describe what winning this Cup felt like,” Critchfield said. “It just felt like all of hard work paid off.”

When the last two games of the State Cup came down to penalty kicks, Critchfield was thrilled. “I love penalty kicks,” the goalkeeper said. “The pressure’s really on the people kicking it and I knew my team would come through.”

Critchfield credited coaches Brett Davis and Bill Kunkler for their efforts the past few years in helping the team improve. He particularly noted out-of-state tournaments to Colorado, Arizona and California the past two seasons that helped the team build chemistry and gain experience against elite teams.

By securing the State Cup, the Red Hot FC ’94 team advanced to the Far West Regional tournament to be held in Phoenix in June 2012.

The team is seeking corporate or private sponsors or donors in fundraising efforts to get the team to the regional tournament in Phoenix next year. Players will be selling Lehi Roller Mills mixes and jewelry at the “What a Woman Wants” show at the Southtowne Expo Center Dec. 9-10. Those interested in helping the team can also contact John Green at (801) 230-8618 or Cindy Todd at (801) 520-3144