WAGS completed another round of matches this past weekend, and Draper Drive Park's artificial turf fields allowed some Under-16 and U-14 action to go forward despite Sunday's late-arriving rainfall.
U-16 Division 5: FPYC Rebels Blue top VYS Phoenix United, 4-0
FPYC Rebels had won one game prior to Sunday’s match at Draper Drive Park, while VYS Phoenix had won two previous matches.
FPYC showed VYS they were here to win with Maeuve Griffin’s goal, just minutes into the game. The Rebels were able to connect solid two-touch passes, opening the field and picking up momentum. FPYC's #7 proved to be a threat up top, clanging an early shot off the crossbar.
“We moved the ball really well. We were aggressive, got to the ball first and we were able to spread their team out,” said Rebels head coach Darrel Marcelle.
Phoenix United's goalkeeper looked strong in net, while FPYC showed confidence in her opposite number as they passed back to their own goalie frequently. Their #24 was a dominating presence in the midfield, successfully switching the field on the attack, and dropping back to help out defend. VYS made more of an offensive push near the end of the first half.
A light rain began pouring in earnest as the game went on, but the girls continued to play hard. After halftime many fans watched the game from the car or huddled under umbrellas while the Rebels and Phoenix United battled it out.
Ellery Thomas, FPYC's #14, finally connected with a shot from beyond the top of the 18-yard box. FPYC worked the ball nicely around the goal and Thomas stepped up for a solid drive into the bottom left-hand corner of the net, just beating the VYS goalie’s stellar dive. This was one out of two goals that Thomas scored on the day.
“After spreading their defense out, we were able to feed the ball to our fastest players up top,” noted Marcelle.
Jessie McMannon (#33) scored the fourth goal for FPYC as she chipped the ball right over the goalie's head. As the rain came down even harder, the match ended with FPYC beating VYS 4-0.
"We played the last few games with eight or nine players, due to high school injuries,” said Marcelle. “This was the first game we had everyone. If we stay healthy and show up, I think we will continue to do well.”
U-14, Division 4: FPYC Wildcats Gold fall to BRYC 96 Elite Blue, 1-2
FPYC Wildcats Gold faced off against BRYC 96 Elite Blue in another match at Draper Drive Park. Because of the artificial turf fields, all games continued despite the rain.
Less than ten minutes in, BRYC scored, gaining an early lead. The goalkeepers from both teams stood out as strong players. BRYC did their best to test Wildcats goalie Kelcie Macomber, but she made exceptional dives to deny several shots. BRYC’s goalie was also fearless, challenging the runs that Macomber's teammates were making up top.
As #12 from FPYC dribbled towards net, she found herself one on one with BRYC’s 'keeper. As the goalie dived for the ball, a penalty was called. FPYC's #27 stroked home the ensuing spot kick, leveling the game at 1-1.
Ryan Alexander, head coach for BRYC, said afterwards, “I thought we were playing well, and I told them to continue playing their game. There was a tough call inside the penalty box, and it was a shame to give up that goal, but they continued to play hard.”
After the half, BRYC retook the field just as strong as in the beginning and regained their lead when #38 served up a corner kick and #14 headed the ball into the Wildcats' net. The beautiful combination proved to be the deciding goal of the game, which ended with BRYC on top, 2-1.
“Our main goal is to work hard, and the results will come,” said Alexander. "We wanted to keep the ball on the ground, keep the ball moving -- the results are secondary."
