Fredericksburg, VA-The U-16 Girls Super Y Team returned home last week after traveling to Tampa, Florida for the United Soccer Leagues National Championships that pitted our girls against some of the best competition in the United States. The girls participated in four games over a five day period and each and every game was a battle for every inch. The girls finished 0-4 and failed to score a goal but experienced what it is like at the next level. "The other teams played real fast," said Hope Lee, center mid-fielder for the Lady Gunners, "They moved the ball around quickly and were very strong and athletic." This seemed to be a very common response among the ladies. Even the coach, Eric Dutt, commented on their speed and athleticism, "Every team we played was extremely athletic. Their pace, movement off the ball, and tactical awareness was very impressive. I am glad the girls got to experience what it is like to play against teams like these."
The Lady Gunners were not at all out matched and actually had their best game against the eventual national champions. Losing 1-0 to the Cleveland Internationals, whose club actually had four teams in the National Finals, three of which were eventual champions, was the highlight of the tournament for most of the girls. Catherine Whited, an outside midfielder and forward for the Lady Gunners said, "The other teams were very strong and I thought our performance was a solid one since we lost only 1-0 to the National Champions." "The competition was real good and they probably were some of the best teams in the nation," said Ally Skeer, outside midfielder, "The experience of meeting people from all over the country was great. I really enjoyed playing new teams." Allyson Brady, center midfielder, thought Southern California was her best team to play against. "I felt they had an extremely high fitness level and pace. They never stopped moving and moved the ball around real quickly. It was our first game, I know I had some jitters, but their individual skill was awesome." Allyson did also acknowledge Cleveland International. "I really enjoyed playing against them. It was very interesting to see and hear their level of focus and concentration. They pushed us to play harder both individually and as a team."
Many of the Lady Gunners acknowledged the need for intense preparation and focus to play teams such as these. "I personally did not do enough to prepare for the National Championships," said Kelly Lamb, forward for the Lady Gunners. "My fitness most certainly could have been better and thought it would have been more helpful to have a full number of subs on the bench. However, I believe it would have made more of a difference if my preparation had been there." "There were no weak links," said Kelly Lamb. Mariah Landry, defender, commented on the mental side of those games. "I am usually able to compete relatively easy in every game at home. These games were different. You had to really focus on what you were doing. You could not just show up. I thought Coach (Eric) did a really good job in preparing us as to what to expect from these teams. I have learned a lot this year and I feel I have really matured as a player."
Among the level of talent at the tournament, there were also big name colleges and Youth National Team Coaches and scouts there looking for new talent. "There were a lot of big colleges there. At one point I looked over and saw Ohio State watching our game. That was pretty intimidating," commented Kelly Lamb.
When the girls were asked who they thought was the player of the tournament for the Lady Gunners, two names were unanimous. Brittany Webster and Lexi Makris.
Lexi Makris is a center midfielder for the Lady Gunners and stood out as a defensive presence in all of her games. She was able to step and compete in the center. "Lexi played great this week. She rose to the occasion and helped everyone be confident in why we were there, " said Eric Dutt, "I am extremely proud of her for leading us the way she did."
Brittany Webster played in goal for the Lady Gunners and by all accounts was outstanding. Brittany, normally a U15, was asked to step up and play with the older team due to an abscence by the normal goalkeeper. Brittany out did herself. Besides facing dozens of shots every game, Brittany made herself known as a goalkeeper that can make the "big save." Her highlight came in game two when, already down 1-0 and fighting to get back into it, Brittany saw a shot come in from outside the box. She scrambled backwards and went airborne to push the ball out of the goal and over the bar. "It was amazing. She really did herself and the club proud this week. She is one of the main reasons we were able to compete so intensely," commented Eric Dutt, "I am very proud of her and so should the club."
The Lady Gunners were also able to experience some of the soccer culture while down there, taking part in the USL’s Soccer Fest Players village. Hundreds of players converged on one location to play soccer, video games, and eat food. "The players village was a lot of fun. I have never experienced anything like that. We were able to play FIFA 2008 and interact with many interesting people," said Ally Skeer, outside midfielder. Hope Lee added, "The players village was a neat experience."
Catherine Whited said it all, "It was a lot of fun and a great experience I will remember for some time. We were able to play soccer at a really high level and compete!"
We are very proud of the Lady Gunners U-16’s and are excited for their upcoming 2008 Super Y Season.
CONGRATULATIONS LADIES!!!
GO LADY GUNNERS U-16’S!!!
