Palm Desert, Here We Come!

What a weekend of soccer. Taylor's All-Star team has been practicing for 2 months to get ready for this weekend's President's Cup in Yucaipa. Coach Charlie has worked so hard with the girls and we have seen so much improvement in their level of play.

Coach pumps the girls up for Game #1

Yesterday morning we were out of the house at 5:45 am for our 8:00 game against Rialto. We had heard that they would be a very tough team, but our girls came out fighting and won 6-0. Taylor scored 3 goals and the team looked amazing!
After a team breakfast at Denny's and some lounging around at the field, the girls kicked it in gear for their 1:00 game against Colton. What a game-so much aggressive play and a hard fought battle. We tied 2-2, which really shocked Colton. We think they expected to run away with this tournament. We were excited for our chances to make it to the championship and we drove home for the night.

Lauren, Maylie, Emily and Taylor solve puzzles during the break

Our first game this morning wasn't until 11:00, but we got there early to watch Colton play again. The final score in their game was 6-0, so we knew we needed to win our game by a score of at least 5-0 if we wanted to advance to the championship. It was crucial to score at least 5 goals and not let High Desert score against us. Colton sat down on our side of the field as our game began waiting to see the outcome. I think our girls liked the added pressure and rose to the occasion. We won 5-0, just like we needed! We were on to the Championship game!

The girls get introduced before the Championship game

With only an hour between games, the girls filled up on protein, carbs and fluids and rested up for the final game of the weekend. The girls got a little intimidated when they saw Yucaipa Valley warming up. #14 looked like she was about 5'6. Coach told them to just play their game and not worry. We came out a little flat and were down 2-0 at halftime. The girls were so tired and getting a little emotional. But out of nowhere in the 4th quarter, Danae kicked the most beautiful goal and we were back in it. Taylor followed with another goal in less than a minute and we were all tied up!!! Unfortunately we lost when #14 did a thrown in that landed right in the goal with about 10 seconds left. Final score: 3-2. What a heartbreak, but we didn't let the girls stay down long. They were awarded their medals and learned they had advanced to the Tournament of Champions in Palm Desert. That was the goal all along and we are so proud of their effort this weekend. Way to go All-Stars!

Cool medals, girls!