Players from left to right

Back row: Sarah Stewart, Courtney Tompkins, Taylor Lane, Jennifer Kilbride and Hannah Palau

Front row; Danielle Romero, Megan Whitman, Lissa Aderholdt, Julianna Rubin and Christina Caruso

 

 

The U11 girls have outdone themselves this time, going 4 and 0 in the 2007 Girls Gator Showcase. With a crew of only 10 players out of a squad of 14, the girls played their hearts out and came out on top every time. Overcoming the cold weather in Gainesville was definitely a factor, but by the finals, it was clear skies with temperatures in the low 60’s, providing near perfect soccer weather. The girls came out strong and managed to score first in every game.

 

A brief recap of the games:

 

11:00 Saturday

TCU vs. Plant City Lancers

Final score 5-3

Plant City came in expecting an easy win, but was soon humbled to be down 0-2 after the first 10 minutes. At half time the score was 4-1, and the U11s actually had 2 more goals, but one was called offside (it was very close) and the other was an indirect free kick that unfortunately didn’t touch any other players. The girls struggled a bit early in the second half and allowed 2 well placed goals by the Lancers, but regained control of the game and scored the final goal with 8 minutes left in the game.

 

8:00 Sunday

TCU vs CFU Krush Blue

Final score 3-2

CFU was a very good team, but the girls managed to hold off multiple attacks early on in the game and were able to score first again. A short lived defensive breakdown let two goals in by the Krush attackers, putting the U11 Girls trailing 1-2 for the only time in the tournament. Play was fast and furious in the mid 30 degree weather, with a 2-2 score at 8 minutes to the final whistle, and with what can only be described as a all out blitz, the girls did not let up till they had one more in the net. Then it was all business defending their lead.

 

3:30 Sunday

TCU vs Starline Flyers (Ga.)

Final Score 7-1

This was definitely the most physical game of the tournament. What the Flyers lacked in ball skills they tried to make up for in bodily contact. But it was to no avail, and luckily the girls came away with no injuries. Some good passing on our part led to many goal scoring opportunities, which the girls took full advantage of. The Flyers did manage to deflect two penalty kicks.

 

 

10:00 Monday Finals

TCU vs Sunrise Sting

Final Score 3-1

Again the girls were able to score first with some good passing up top. Sunrise managed an equalizer on a free kick that just glanced off our keepers gloves after several other touches in very crowded goal box. Play was pretty even through half time with a 1-1 score. Midway into the second half, some good passing again led to the  second TCU goal, which was on a rebound off their keeper. Not satisfied with a 2-1 lead the girls maintained the attack until a third goal was in the net. Our biggest compliment came from the Sunrise coach that was impressed with the girl’s determination, yet very fair play.