ST. LOUIS — In St. Louis, we have so much talent in high school, college and professional soccer, but it doesn't stop there.
There are some gentlemen a little bit older who can still really play the game.
These men are soccer players who are pursuing a dream of winning a championship with their ages. Well, let's just say they're no longer in their prime. Their ages range from 70 to 73 years old.
The group traveled to Florida this weekend to go for a national championship in the 70 and over age bracket.
"Can you do a bicycle kick now?" Frank Cusumano asked.
"I can ride a bike, can't kick," Brian Clarke said.
Injuries when you're doing some sharp cutting and going on a quick burst? You betcha.
"I've got a new hip replacement about three years ago," Steve Axmacher said. "I got a new Achilles tendon just sewn back together, ruptured about 15 months ago, and I've got a balky left knee. You know, it just hurts, but so far, so good."
Daryl's soon-to-be-70-year-old brother and a former pro player Don Doran has skills and used to play soccer with Rod Stewart in Los Angeles.
"So I had some English buddies and they were on this team and they got me on this team. So I played with Rod about six years out in L.A." Don Doran said.
Many on this team have won championships together in the past. Familiarity won't be an issue. And they all started playing young, some since they were 5 years old.
"There's nothing quite like it, just working for some goal," Brian Clarke said. "The people that you know and have known you your whole life, and you're playing against really good competition from all over the country. And so it's an achievement to just hang out."
And maybe the most important reason this group will be successful is this.
"We have a good team," Billy Renaud said. "We have got a lot of good talent. What sets us apart, our team, is that we have 18 players that are from the St. Louis area."
The 70 and older St. Louis soccer squad is ready to score on you.
Unfortunately, the group of Saint Louisians did not win the national tournament in Florida and finished in fourth place.
They will be back next year.
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