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Youth Soccer News: Albion U13 Girls take U14 Silver Bracket at RSF Attack Summer Classic

Showing strength and tenacity, Albion Girls U13 Premier played up in the second annual RSF Attack Summer Classic, August 20-22, to take top honors in the U14 Silver bracket. The girls compiled an impressive record, going undefeated and racking up 21 total points against teams from Crusader Soccer Club, Nomads, and Arsenal FC.

Albion GU13 Champions

Albion started off their drive slowly, tying Arsenal FC-S G14W 1-1 on Saturday morning before defeating CSC San Diego 98 Red – the team they would later meet in the finals – by a 2-0 score. In their lone Sunday game, the girls beat Nomads 2-1 to move into the finals on Monday. Meanwhile, in spite of their loss to Albion, CSC was moving forward with victories over Nomads and Arsenal by 1-0 and 3-1 scores, respectively.

Despite missing several key players going into the finals, Albion still put on an impressive display of possession Soccer in defeating a very game CSC U14 team. Albion had impressive combinations all weekend up top with Gabrielle Root, Veronica Avalos and Isabella Anderson working off terrific distribution from the center midfield committee of Jilly Cafree, Jessie Penner, the scrappy Olivia Riley and Amanda Spidell. Albion’s outside midfielders Corrin Hickman, who finished a beautiful goal in the bracket play game with CSC, and Kennedy Hopkins – along with the ever-present Avalos and Anderson – used their speed and technique to keep the pressure on the talented and very skilled CSC squad.

Albion controlled play much of the game thanks to steady work from the backline led by sweeper Blair Lane, stopper Audrey Ensworth and stellar defenders Cassidy Wurtz and Ashlyn Morey. Morey’s powerful leg created many opportunities on counter plays as well as on free and corner kicks, while Wurtz was, as always, a human missile with her “no fear approach” to heading the ball out of danger and her strong tackling ability.

Albion Keeper Kelli McCarthy shut down many opportunities throughout the tournament and did a great job directing a makeshift defense that saw many players in odd positions due to player availability. McCarthy once again displayed the abilities that caught the eye of the ODP scouts with another stellar weekend between the pipes.

The scoring began with a smoking left-footed cracker by Albion Captain Gabrielle “Gabs” Root, who broke free and took a pass from Veronica Avalos to tally the first goal. Albion’s second goal came on another play created by the pesky play of Avalos and her counterpart Isabella Anderson. Following a scramble, the ball popped loose and “Gabs” calmly directed it home for a 2-0 lead. While Avalos and Anderson did not score in this game, they were both all over the field, creating opportunities with their inspired play. Just a few minutes later, Albion managed a great counter attack and the ever-present Root was dragged down in the box, resulting in a PK for Albion. Defender Blair Lane promptly snapped the twine in the left corner and Albion was up 3-0.

CSC then took control of play and put intense pressure on the Albion side of the field. Olivia Riley at center mid as well as Audrey Ensworth at stopper made several key plays to ease the pressure. Huge goal kicks by the strong legged Ashlyn Morey were also key, as were several tough stops by Cassidy Wurtz who was fearless with her headers, getting on every ball in the area. Goalie Kelli McCarthy also made several excellent decisions in coming out to the edge of the box to thwart possible scoring chances.

CSC’s constant pressure finally paid off in a late goal to bring the score to 3-1. CSC was getting through to the back line but thanks to excellent support from the midfielders, the depleted defense was able to hang on and win the championship. It was a complete team effort and a great weekend playing up in age for the Albion girls.