The Colorado Rush U15, U16 and U17 ECNL teams were in action over Memorial Day Weekend as they participated in the PDA Showcase in hot and humid Zarephath, New Jersey.
U15's
The girls finished with a 1-1-1 record. The PDA Complex was a beautiful facility that had an abundance of well groomed fields and humidity. The girls played a strong, well-possessed game against FC Stars Massachusetts, a tough opponent ranked 5th in the nation by TDS. Erin Hohnstein found Tessa Barton in the box for the game winning goal!
The Michigan Hawks, another top ranked team, were next in the lineup. The U15's faced them last summer in Seattle in an exciting match that ended in a 1-1 draw. In this rematch, defense lead the team with amazing saves from goalie Alisa Crooks and center back Bella Scaturro but the team came up with short with another 0-0 draw.
U16's
The U16s opened the weekend playing great possession soccer against #8 Jacksonville FC in sweltering 95 degree heat. The defense held JFC and striker Grace Kiser, who has scored 18 goals on the season, to a 0-0 tie. The next afternoon presented the same scorching heat, but playing FC Boca, another team in the SE conference. Boca struck early with a goal tapped in after bobbling around in the box from a corner kick. Striker Hailey Stodden answered back with a shot from distance, assisted by right back Kyra Midroy. Rush had several other opportunities, including a saved PK, but couldn't convert. Scored ended with a 1-1 tie. Two points were good, but Rush was looking for a win against FC Heat from Nevada on Monday. The rain stayed away, but the humidity was stifling. Longer grass and tired legs slowed the Rush. Heat scored a nice goal off the pipes in the first half. Rush came on strong in the second half, creating many opportunities, but couldn't put one in the back of the net. Rush lost 1-0. It was a long flight home for some tired and sunburnt girls, but the team should be proud of the quality soccer played.
U17's
The U17's faced a very tough schedule and went 1-2 with losses agaisnt Albertson Fury and Sockers FC to start the event but finished strong with a 2-0 win over Charlotte Soccer Academy behind goals from Sarah Masinter and Taylor Steinke.