Group Play Perfection

Sunday, November 18
By: Tommy Cassell for USLSoccer.com

TAMPA – Two premier U14 girl’s sides, Southern California’s Santa Clarita United and the Midwest’s Kalamazoo Kingdom, were in action on the final day of group play at the Ed Radice Complex for the Super Y-League North American Finals.

Each squad looked to bring only their best onto the pitch in hopes of advancing past group play. Both teams best feet were forward yet only one team would be standing with the achievement of winning Group C and moving on to the semifinals tomorrow.

In the first half, Santa Clarita and Kalamazoo traded advantages but Santa Clarita seized their opportunities and took an early lead midway through the first with a goal from midfielder Kristin Bos.

Bos was assisted by forward Courtney Proctor who led Bos perfectly inside the box. The through ball allowed Bos to fire past the Kalamazoo keeper for a 1-0 lead.

Proctor never let up and scored again, this time by herself, after cleaning up a rebound and placing it in the back of the net, giving Santa Clarita a 2-0 lead just before halftime.

Santa Clarita held most of the momentum and possession in the second half but could not quite put Kalamazoo away as the Kingdom held tough until the final whistle. Kalamazoo had chances with their forwards in the box later in the second half put could not capitalize on their attempts.

Their best opportunity to score came when a Kalamazoo player was tripped up in the box and awarded a penalty kick. Kalamazoo used Peterson for the kick and she blasted one off of the left post before the ball ricocheted away and was recovered by Santa Clarita.

The South Californian’s never looked back and won the game in a the final score of 2-0, making their trip to Tampa that much sweeter.

“The game was a well fought battle as both teams played extremely well,” said Santa Clarita Head Coach Clint Greenwood. “We had a good first half and everything seemed to work out well for us. It definitely feels good to come away with a victory.”

Santa Clarita United was pleased with the victory because they knew that Kalamazoo Kingdom was going to be a tough test for them.

“We would also like to thank Gary Sparks for bringing the team here because without him this would not have been possible,” added Greenwood.

Santa Clarita has a lot to be thankful for as they won Group C with a 3-0-0 record and clinched a spot in the U14 Girl semi-finals, which will be held on tomorrow, November 19.