Dynamite Soccer Girls Vie for Division Championship

The following article was submitted by Dynamite mom, Traci Carneal, and edited. 

The Davidsonville Dynamite GU13 soccer team is living up to its name.

This is the girls’ best season ever as they boast five wins, one loss (only one goal scored against them), and 16 goals scored in total against their opponents. In six games, not one goal was scored against the Dynamites. Currently in second place in their division, they have a chance to win the division title, but several things must to happen.

According to head coach Clarke Miller, Team Dynamite has to not only beat first place team Locust Point Soccer Club (7-0 with 21 points) on June 3, but the team needs to win its last two games and Locust Point has to either lose their last two games or lose one and tie one. The team plays Cape St. Claire this Sunday.

“We need the perfect storm, but it can happen!” Miller said. “This group of girls is comprised of true athletes and they have the drive to win.”

Team Dynamite has been together for several years since Garry Carneal offered to coach the newly formed team. A bit hesitant to take on such a role, and his first time ever coaching, Carneal agreed so his daughter, Brooke, would have a team to play on. No coach, no team.

“I have learned a lot about coaching and the game of soccer, and more importantly, I’ve been able to watch these girls improve over the years,” says Carneal, who has literally seen the team members grow stronger and bigger. As new players have joined the team each year, the combination of skill levels has served the Dynamites well.

“What’s amazing about this team is that many of these girls could play travel soccer if they wanted to, but they enjoy playing together so much that they stick together,” Carneal said.

In addition to a great coaching combination of Miller and Carneal, along with help from several dedicated parents, Miller thinks the UK Elite personal trainer they hired last fall played a role in the team’s success and some of the players’ improved skills.

“This guy was tough during the special practices—he treated these girls like any other serious soccer player. The girls moaned a bit, but in the end they really wanted his approval and they had great respect for him,” Miller said.

Many Dynamite players dream of playing high school soccer someday—for many of the girls that means trying out for the team in a year or two. With their drive, spirit and enthusiasm, certainly they all have a fighting chance.

Go Dynamites!  

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