The Covington Youth Soccer Association U17 Cougars snared the 2008 Sweep the Swamp Tournament title Oct. 12 in Alexandria. Jake Saltalamacchia, a forward striker, netted the game’s only goal in the championship match with just 30 seconds left in the second 10-minute overtime to grab the title as the Cougars defeated the host Crossroads Pride, the two-time defending state champs 1-0.

Saltalamacchia, a junior who plays soccer and football for the St. Paul’s Wolves, took a pass from Zach Perret from about 15 yards out. He dribbled past a defender, and was able to beat the goalkeeper from 12-yards for the championship game-winner.

Saltalamacchia said his team just couldn’t find a way to finish their goals during regulation play.

Pictured are members of the Covington Youth Soccer Association U17 Cougars, which won the 2008 Sweep the Swamp Tournament in Alexandria Oct. 12, from left, first row: Christian Kessinich, Matt Landry, Gabe Sullivan, Austin Cullota, Chase de la Houssaye, Mason Abide and Jake Saltalamacchia; second row: Coach AJ Saltalamacchia, Jeff Pearce, Zach Perret, Matt Tanner, Austin Daughter, Eric Cookmeyer, Adam Cookmeyer, Ryan Zeringue and Coach Stephen Carty.

“Time was winding down in the second overtime. I heard the official say there was only a minute left. We got a free kick that Zach Perret took. He put the ball on the ground quickly, and passed it to me. I outran the defender that was on me. I just tapped it right in the corner,” Saltalamacchia said.

“It was a great feeling to be able to put the goal in. I’m glad we didn’t have to go to PKs (penalty kicks). I think we were 0-2 in games decided by PKs,” Saltalamacchia added.

Defender Adam Cookmeyer, a junior at Fontainebleau, said it was a fantastic defensive effort during the tournament.

“We worked well together. Everybody was communicating real well. For a defense to work well, everybody has to be on the same page with what’s going on,” Cookmeyer.

The defender praised the play of the Cougars’ goalkeeper Austin Doughty. “He did a great job judging the ball. He played outstanding in goal for us,” Cookmeyer added.

Doughty, a St. Paul’s junior, played for the majority of the tournament with the exception of moving to a field position for about a half in the third game.

The Cougars fired off 21 shots on goal in the championship game, while their defense, limited Crossroads Pride to just five shots on goal with Doughty registering three saves.

Cougars’ coach Stephen Carty said his club turned in an outstanding effort. “It was one of the most exciting games I’ve ever been involved with during my 10 years of coaching experience,” Carty said.

In last year’s championship match the Cougars fell to Crossroads Pride 2-1.

“Our players showed excellent conditioning to remain fresh in the championship game. We were able to keep possession of the ball for about 60 percent of the time in the championship match,” Carty added.

The Cougars opened the tournament Oct. 11 blanking Crossroads Lillysweyna from Alexandria, 4-0. Perret notched three goals and Eric Cookmeyer added one. The Cougars top defender was Brock Dickinson. The Covington squad took Saturday’s second game, downing the Alexandria Crossroads ASH Trojans, 6-0, behind Saltalamacchia’s hat trick. Adam Cookmeyer, Chase Delahoussaye and Christian Kessenich contributed one goal each. Gabe Sullivan was named the Cougars’ top defender.

The Cougars continued their strong play Sunday, downing the NYSL United Wildcats from Monroe, 6-0. Perret and Delahoussaye punched in two goals each in the victory. Saltalamacchia and Mason Abide tallied one goal each with Matt Landry being named the top defender.

The U17 Cougars’ 18-member roster includes players predominantly from St. Paul’s (14), Fontainebleau (3) and Mandeville High School (1).