The NOSO 2014 Girls and 2012 boys came home with some hardware from the Bay Challenge Cup.
After great 2-0 starts for each team on day one, the 2012 boys were handed a tough loss to a superior Appleseed Premier team in their first game today, before bouncing back in the second game with a rain-soaked 4-2 win over the Michigan Jaguars. All the Eagles goals came off the foot of Brayson S., who ended the weekend with an amazing 10 goals! Cameron K. and Cameron G. were solid in goal (as always), while Grayson H. and Jonas M. were solid in midfield, and Bryce S. and Cameron K. handled center back duties in place of regular starter Henry L.
The win versus the Jaguars earned the team runner up status, the second year in a row to gain this honor.
The 2014 girls continued their tremendous teamwork throughout the whole tournament, earning their first ever championship. The team defeated Bay Village 4-1 in their first game, with 2 goals each for Abby F. and Carlie H., with Jacqueline L. and Abby F. heolding it down in net. The win ensured the Eagles’ next match against undefeated Avon Lake would be to decide the championship.
It was an epic battle, as Avon Lake had quality players up and down the field, including a very talented forward. After a back and forth first 10 minutes or so, Abby F. managed to wriggle through the defense and place a hard shot past the keeper for the early lead. From there things were tense, as the Eagles pushed for an insurance goal, only to come up just short due to the stout Avon Lake defense and keeper. However the Eagles defense of Clara S., Molly F., Claire B., Leanna K. and Sydney P., also continued to rebuff Avon Lake and their star striker. Jacqueline L. made a huge save in goal right before halftime to keep it 1-0.
The second half was much of the same, as neither team could break through, that is until Carlie H. poked in that precious second goal with about 15 minutes to go. From there Avon Lake continued to come forward, but a determined defense, led by Clara S. at center back and some timely saves by Brynn N. in goal, shut them out for a 2-0 win and the title of Bay Challenge Cup champions!
Both teams left it all on the field this weekend, great job North Olmsted Eagles!