The team finished with four wins and a tie, knocking off another Wisconsin team and four teams from Illinois to claim the champhionship.
The girls started off the weekend with a cold, cloudy, early Saturday morning game which ended in a 1-0 shutout of the MYSC Red from Middleton. Later that afternoon, after the sun came out and warmed things up a tad, they played the Elk Grove Fireballs. After a sluggish start, they eventually pulled away for a 3-0 win. The two wins on Saturday guaranteed the team would advance into Sunday’s playoffs.
Sunday was sunny and a tad warmer, yet the team started out cold against the Ela Tigers Red in their last pool game, and found themselves down 1-0. They managed to pull even, and even pull ahead by a 2-1 margin. However, with the semi-finals looming, the coaches decided to rest some starters and move other players around to different positions. This resulted in yielding one more goal to the Ela team with the game ending in a 2-2 draw.
In the late afternoon semi-final, they again faced the Elk Grove Fireballs, since the Fireballs had won their other two games and claimed the wildcard spot. The game started off poorly for our girls however as Elk Grove played a thru ball beyond the defensive line and outraced everybody to the ball, including the oncoming GK; they skirted around the keeper and were able to roll the ball into the open goal for a shocking 1-0 lead just 30 seconds into the game. Elm Grove battled back and nearly evened the score only moments later as they hit the crossbar twice and played a short shot just over the goal. Despite numerous chances, they weren’t able to manage a goal, and the half ended with the 1-0 deficit. The second half was similar in that there were many chances and near misses, but Elk Grove didn’t yield. Time was running short, many worried parents looked at their watches. With only about 10 minutes left, Jordan Clarksen found herself with her back to the Elk Grove goal and ball bounding her way. She quickly twisted her body and struck a nifty volley that rocketed past the surprised Elk Grove keeper into the back the net. The goal tied the score, and lifted the spirits of the Elm Grove team. Parents breathed a sigh of relief as momentum took a huge swing. Two more goals quickly followed as the Elk Grove squad melted under the pressure and the letdown from giving up the first goal. The final 3-1 margin moved Elm Grove into the championship game against Lake Forest.
The championship game was played in front of the setting sun. Play swung back and forth, with both teams having chances and near misses. Neither team found net however, in either half, and as darkness took the field the refs discussed options with the coaches and officials. A five-minute overtime was the decision, yet again neither team scored and the game ended in a 0-0 draw. The teams went into a shootout to determine the champion. Elm Grove came out victorious by a 4-3 margin, as the last Lake Forest kicker hit the crossbar with her attempt, and cheers arose from the Elm Grove contingent.
The U14 team would like to extend thanks to Erin, Nicole and Karly from the U13 Academy team who played up under the club pass, as well as guest players Katie, Stephanie and Francesca from the Lake Country United U14 team. All made significant contributions to our effort, which were much appreciated given that 5 Select players were called up to play with the U14 Academy team, and another player was away on vacation.
Coach Madrigal sends special kudos to Missy Hech for manning the goal for the entire weekend. Considering that she's the team's third option for GK, and really doesn't practice it, she did one heck of a job for the entire weekend, including a pressure packed shootout for the championship. Way to go Missy!!
The box score:
1. Sat 8:00am vs MYSC White (W1-0)
2. Sat 2:40pm vs Elk Grove Fireballs (W3-0)
3. Sun 1:20pm vs Ela Tigers Red (T2-2)
4. Sun 3:55pm semi-final vs Elk Grove Fireballs (W3-1)
5. Sun 6:25pm championship vs Lake Forest (W0-0, shootout 4-3) – Champions!!!