This was our final tournament of the pre-season and we had high hopes for a 1st place finish. We played La Costa Matrix in the first game and tied 1-1. We had faced this team twice before and finished with a win and a loss. They have a few strong, fast girls that put up quite a fight. In our 2nd game of the morning we faced off against Encinitas Express, the team we beat in the Carlsbad Semifinal. Taylor was in the perfect spot for Ashley's cross and scored a beautiful goal in our 4-0 victory!
After the game, we all caravaned up to Pat and Oscar's in Carlsbad for a team lunch. The girls just love being together and the parents enjoy it too. We love the team bonding!We won our bracket with 14 points and advanced to Sunday morning's Semifinal against Vista Storm. Again, the girls fought hard with gorgeous passing, lots of talking, composure and physical play. We advanced to the championship game with a 3-1 final!
Today was Madison's 11th birthday and we sang and celebrated with donuts in between games.The championship game was against La Costa, the team we tied yesterday. We felt confident that if we played as well as we had played this morning, we could bring home the trophy. Charlie pulled out our 2nd place medal from Carlsbad in our pre-game peptalk and reminded the girls how tough it was coming off the field without the win. I think it really motivated the girls and they played with unbelievable determination.
We had a 2-0 lead at halftime, but they didn't relax at all. They played their hearts out until the final whistle and left La Costa baffled. We won 5-0!!!
Charlie was presented the team CHAMPION trophy at the award ceremony and we all got medals and tshirts as well. We look forward to seeing La Costa in the regular season, although they wish we would just move away!
Taylor fought so hard at left forward and left midfield and played through a strained tendon in her knee. She wears her heart on her sleeve and wanted this so badly, but stayed composed at key moments. I am so proud of her and love sharing these memories with her!
ENCINITAS ROTARY CUP CHAMPIONS!!!
We finished the pre season with 2 1st place and 1 2nd place finish and feel very strong going into the regular season. The girls are working so well together...improving on their stamina, passing, ball skills and teamwork. I can't wait to see what the season has in store!
