EAFC 11v11 Girls Teams Triumph at weekend tournaments
This past weekend, Eastshore Alliance FC’s 2008G Red team showcased their defensive prowess and determination as they clinched the title at the Stanford Strikers Tournament. Meanwhile, the 2012G Orange team demonstrated remarkable growth and resilience during their first 11v11 tournament at the Solano Surf Classic.
2008G Red: Champions with a Perfect Defensive Record
The 2008G Red team embarked on their tournament journey with a series of intense group stage matches. They opened with two hard-fought 0-0 draws against North Bay Premier Club Blue Devils and Stanford Strikers FC, before securing a crucial 1-0 victory over Valley United Soccer Club. This win propelled them into the final with an undefeated record and a remarkable achievement—zero goals conceded.
In the final, the girls faced a familiar foe in Valley United Soccer Club. The match was a tense rematch, reflecting the closely contested group stage encounter. Both teams displayed immense determination, but the game remained deadlocked after regulation time, leading to a dramatic penalty shootout. With nerves of steel, Eastshore Alliance FC emerged victorious, claiming the championship.
Coach Rey expressed immense pride in his team’s performance: “I’m really proud of the girls. They were challenged in all the games but came away from the tournament without conceding any goals and with the trophy! Defense really wins championships. It was great to see the positive culture within the 08 girls age group as many players from the 08 Orange team guest played throughout the tournament to support the 08 Red team. It was a great experience for everyone and a great way to start our season!”
2012G Orange: A Weekend of Growth at the Solano Surf Classic
The 2012G Orange team embarked on their first 11v11 tournament experience at the Solano Surf Classic, where they faced formidable opponents and navigated a steep learning curve. After a challenging 5-0 defeat to Blues FC in their opening match, the girls rebounded with an impressive 3-0 victory over Solano Surf, securing a spot in the semifinals.
In the semifinal against Walnut Creek Surf, the 2012G Orange team demonstrated incredible resilience. The match was tightly contested, and at the end of regulation, the score was tied 1-1, sending the game into a penalty shootout. What followed was a nerve-wracking sequence of 15 penalty kicks, with players even stepping up for a second round of attempts. Despite their efforts, EAFC ultimately fell short in the shootout.
Coach Mary praised her team’s growth and determination: “They had an amazing weekend where they grew in a short period of time! They had a lot of learning moments and were able to adapt to new environments with each other. They stepped up to every challenge big time!”
Looking Ahead
The successes and learning experiences from this past weekend mark a promising start to the season for Eastshore Alliance FC. The 2008G Red team’s defensive resilience and championship win set a high bar, while the 2012G Orange team’s tenacity and rapid development highlight the potential within the club’s younger age groups. As both teams move forward, they carry with them the confidence and lessons gained from these early tournaments, ready to tackle the challenges of the season ahead.