San Diego Crusaders Cup 2009 - CHAMPIONS!!!!

The GU16 played an outstanding tournament this past weekend.  The girls went undefeated in pool play:

Game 1 vs Crusaders White: 2 - 0
Game 2 vs Hotspurs Red: 5 -1
Game 3 vs FC Murrieta Blue: 3 -1

The semi-final game was against a talented Crusaders Red team.  An early penalty kick in the box gave the girls enough to hold off thier pressure.  Final:  1 -0

The final game was paired against a strong RSF Attack team.  Attack scored first off a direct kick.  Shortly after, Storm found the back of the net from a header off a corner kick.  Storm had a few other great chances to put the game away in regulation:  Final at full time:  1 - 1.  This tournament went straight to penalty kicks.

On the first shot from Attack, our keeper Amanda (who was asked to fill in as keeper on wednesday as both of our other keepers were unable to attend the tournament), made a great diving save.  Our first shot at the mark was also blocked.  The second shooter for Attack hit the right upright, deflecting out of the goal.  Our second shooter blasted the ball low under the diving keeper...Storm up 1-0.  The next shoorter for Attack hit a hard shot straight at Amanda and she held her ground to block the shot.  Our next shooter was blocked as well.  Attack's next shooter also drilled the ball straight at Amanda for the save.  Our next shooter, and one of our captains, took the shot and scored prior to the referee being ready.  After regrouping, she retook the shot and hammered into the back of the next.  Final penalty kick result:  Storm 2 - Attack 0!

This is the second tournament for the girls this season and have played in finals in both.

Congratulations and good luck at next tournament:  Rotary Cup, Aug 8 and 9.