Leah and Abigail went with their mom to Naperville, IL for the NSA Chicago Shootout. Leah played in the U14 Age Group and Abigail played with the U15 Age Group for FC United.
As Abigail and Leah both continue their journey in the game of soccer, they are both becoming aware of the importance of the subjective nature of the game. How you perform is how you carry yourself, your total contribution to the team, as well as your technical and tactical prowess. It takes 11 players on the field to be successful and they all play an important role.
Leah's Team
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Leah striking a ball |
Leah's team ended the tournament with a 2-1-0 record. They had 7 goals for the weekend and only allowed 2 goals against them. They played great for the first time being a blended team and a lot of chemistry to build. They faced some good competition and handled it well. Leah ended the weekend with 1 assist and playing the #3, #11, and #9 positions (Left Back, Left Mid Fielder, and Forward).
Abigail's Team
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FC United U15 Girls - 2nd Place |
Abigail's team ended the tournament in 2nd place after a championship match full of heart gripping moments all the way down to the final PK shootout. In the second half of regular time, down 0-1 with seconds remaining. FC United was rewarded a set piece about 10 yards outside the 18 yard box. Abigail lined up for this final set piece bending her shot over the wall and brushing past the finger tips of the keeper. This goal took the game into overtime and finally into the PK shootout to later come up just short of the win. Abigail ended the weekend with some impressive statistics. She had 5 Goals and 3 Assists. By NCAA statistics, this would equate to a total of 13 points (2 points per goal and 1 point per assist). She averaged 1.25 goals and .75 assists per game. Abigail contributed to 8 of the 11 total goals scored (73%) by the team. Abigail closed the tournament with impressive statistics any soccer player should be proud of.
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The shot that took the team into the finals. The shot bent to the left and into the Upper Left (near post) 90. |
I'm proud of the kids. They are both very passionate about soccer and have worked hard to improve their game.