Division Champs!

After my last big soccer post, the girls had two more games to win in order to stay in first place in their rec division.

The first team they played was a team that they had beaten before (the Alex Morgans), but the AMs had beaten the Ravens two weeks before. So, it was a possible tough game.

And it was a bit tough. Bri got tangled up with a girl and fell to the ground getting lots of dirt in her eyes and a bit scraped up. She had to take a break for a few minutes. She collected herself and got back out there.

The Golden Eagles played like champs. They won 5-2...

 Bri is quite good at getting the ball out of tough places (she couldn't capitalize on this kick)...

 The girls were so happy they won!

Here is Bri and her friend Maddie...

Bri scored once that game (after her injury) and Ella scored 3 times. What was super exciting was that sweet friend Imerie and her mom (my good friend) Valerie surprised us by coming to the game and they got to see both Ella and Bri score. We were so happy Imerie and Val took time out of their day to come see the game...

Then last Sunday, it was the final game of the regular season. We were at a different field. It was 3PM and quite warm outside. The team we were playing was strong and they had home field advantage - but the girls had to try to win.

I took a team photo before the game (missing one player)...

This team is awesome!!!!

Coach Javier gave a pep talk before the game started...

 The girls were a little off the first half (on both sides actually). I think the heat and time of day had something to do with it. And, the knowledge that this was an important game. Luckily, Ella scored right before half time. I will say, Bri actually looked pretty good the first half - she had like 3 or 4 attempts at goal but they were all blocked.

The girls got a pep talk at half time and the second half, they kicked it into high gear...

The girl behind Bri in the picture below was really good - ball control and speed. Bri kept her eye on her the entire second half and managed to take the ball from her a number of times. I am proud at how aggressive Bri has become. A few years ago, Bri would have been intimidated...

Bri broke out and ran down field several times, weaving in and out of girls (it's really something to watch), but she wasn't able to make a goal on her own. But, she definitely assisted in getting the two other goals the second half...

The score ended up being 3-0. They clinched the division!

YMCA NW Rec U10 Girls National Bracket champs...

Here is the scorecard (one of the teams didn't fill in their score for two of their games {game winners enter the score}, but it doesn't affect our stats)...

 The tournament starts tomorrow. The girls will play two games in the morning against teams they have not played before from different Y's. We have no idea how they play. Depending on how the GE play tomorrow, they either move to the semi-final on Sunday at noon and then possibly on to the final at 2pm or they will play a consolation game at 4:15 on Sunday. Let's hope they make it to the semi-final and final! 

I'm just thrilled the Golden Eagles clinched the division. A tournament win would be icing on the cake, but either way, I could not be more proud.

Go GOLDEN EAGLES!!!!