The U-13 team started the tournament in the group phase by playing FC Farasi, the 2008 Commissioners Cup Champions. GRFC played tough and beat the champs 2-1. The second game in as many days was played against FC Nemesis. Nemesis was determined not to give up a goal and packed the box with 9 defenders and the game ended in a 0-0 draw. GRFC won the group with a win and a draw, and advanced to the quarter finals where they faced Evergreen (Valles). Each team fought hard when, with less than 10 minutes left in the game, GRFC gave up a free kick and Evergreen capitalized. GRFC became energized and laser-focused, quickly equalizing with a goal. As the clock ticked down to less than 2 minutes remaining in the game, Ashlan Applegate broke free and scored the winning goal. GRFC wins the quarter final by a score of 2-1.
GRFC and EFC White face off in the semi-finals. Both teams played cautiously in the first half, with EFC White scoring on a defensive mistake. The second half was dominated by GRFC. Down 1 goal to nil, GRFC began passing and controlling the game. Mid-way through the second half GRFC ties it 1-1. Moments later Rachel Phillips puts a thru ball to Ashlan Applegate and she puts GRFC into the final with a 2-1 victory.
Championship day, the girls are nervous and confident. Their opponent; Harbor FC. It’s an overcast day; cool but dry. The first half of play is even with few scoring opportunities for either side. GRFC begins to take control in the second half, but still cannot find the back of the net. The game ends tied 0-0 with GRFC in control of the match. The overtime periods favored GRFC in possession and shot opportunities but several good saves by the Harbor FC keeper send this match to kicks from the mark to settle it.
The teams line up for the kicks, and GRFC’s Kailey Robinson perfectly places the first shot in the lower right and gives the team a goal. Harbor FC follows and scores on their first as well. Tied 1-1. Next up for GRFC is McKenna Lindberg. She shoots another perfect shot, lower right corner. Harbor FC answers knotting the score at 2-2. The next strike is taken by Hannah van Amen who drills the shot high into the upper netting. Harbor FC tries to answer yet again but the shot is SAVED by whip-fast goal keeper Amy Ellenberg. GRFC leads 3-2 after three shots for both teams. Ashlan Applegate lines up for the 4th kick from the mark, placing it low and left for a goal. Harbor FC takes it’s 4th, must make, shot attempt but slips past the post wide and right. GRFC WINS, 4-2 on PK’s!!!
