Round Lake soccer team wins Sportsmanship Medal two years straight

AYSO Region 428 Round Lake Region U14 Boys team, led by coaches Stakely Bechaud and Alfonso Acevedo, won the Sportsmanship Medal Award for the second year in a row at the American Youth Soccer Organization Section 6 tournament, which took place at the Libertyville Township Soccer Complex.

They also repeated their third-place medal finish, winning their final match against Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The Sportsmanship Medal award holds special meaning, as it is judged on the behavior of not only the players, but the coaches and parents as well. Good sportsmanship is one of the six core philosophies of AYSO.

Repeating his words from last year, coach Stakely said, "Sportsmanship awards two years in a row is a great achievement. The kids on the team played through their ups and downs during games but always kept a positive and sportsmanship attitude toward the game, and that's why they deserve the medals."

According to Regional Commissioner Joe Nadeau, "AYSO 428 Region Round Lake repeatedly proves that a soccer program is not only affordable, but also teaches young players the necessary skills to be successful both on and off the pitch."