January 11, 2010 - Naples, Fl. - U10G Blue team coach Dirk Guijt always preaches hard work and after training 3 times a week throughout holidays and vacations, it all came together for his girls at the Kelme Cup this past weekend in Naples, Fl.
Inspite of the harsh, cold and rainy weather conditions, playing up in an unfamiliar division, the U10G Blue team put together an impressive string of victories leading up to the finals versus the number 1 seeded tournament team. Their first game saw them take on the Lee County Strikers. Lee County’s speed and physical prowess saw them open the score in the first half 1-0. The U10G Blue would not be deterred as the second half was all Pinecrest. Niki Molina scored an impressive goal to tie the score which was followed up by Caty Morrison in the last minute to book a hard fought 2-1 victory.
The second game had them face a tough South Miami Grey Ghosts U11 girl’s team. Niki Molina once again, showed her finishing prowess by opening the game with an impressive score to take a 1-0 lead. As the game progressed, a great combination play down the right flank, gave South Miami the tying goal to make it 1-1. The girls knew this would not be easy, but when the going got tough, the tough got going. Emmy Lamas placed a beautiful shot from just outside the box and out of reach of the opposing goalie to help Pinecrest take a 2-1 lead. South Miami was relentless in coming back to tie the score again at 2-2. Coach Dirk switched to a more defensive formation to try and secure a place in the semi-finals. He knew that a draw would be enough to get them there. Niki Molina had other plans. She would not be happy with the tie and took charge by taking on and getting by three Grey Ghost players, she kept going and took on the keeper at the back line to shoot Pinecrest to a thrilling 3-2 victory! A great game and a great win!
The result not only put them through to the semi-finals but gave them the first seed pitting them once again versus the Lee County Strikers. The U10G Blue team would not be intimidated by the challenge of defeating an opponent once more, especially after a tough game. Amanda Puig was matched up defensively against the Lee County star player and effectively shut her down. Niki Molina once more opened the game scoring. She later setup a textbook cross to Annika Guijt effectively nailing down the game by scoring and making it 2-0 with 10 minutes to go. The Lee County morale was practically broken when Niki Molina finished them off by making another rush for a 3-0 victory and placing Pinecrest in the finals against Kendall Hammocks U11.
Finals are special; it’s about effort and persistence. Kendall Hammocks was clearly the physically stronger team, but soccer is not all about physical play, some of the best players in the world like: Messi and Maradona are not exactly physical specimens. It comes down to making combinations and using the spaces which Pinecrest did very well against the Kendall girls. Early on, the game proved to be a battle of contrasting styles and after a spirited first half the Kendall Hammocks coaches were given a final warning by the referee. The Pinecrest girls kept their heads cool and switched to a more offensive formation to start the second half, unfortunately, Kendall opened up the scoring with a corner kick. As Emily Lamas took a hit on the head, she had to leave the game leaving Pinecrest with little options on offense. The midfield however, did a great job stepping it up and putting Kendall Hammocks under extreme pressure and creating some great opportunities, including a penalty chance! As Niki Molina tried placing the ball low and into the corner, the Kendall Hammocks keeper came up with a big save to secure a 1-0 victory.
Coach Dirk would like to congratulate the U10G Blue team! You amazed everyone and can be proud of an excellent performance!
On the picture from left to right: Bari Gold(defender) Julianna Krauss (l. midfield) , Niki Molina (forward), Emily Lamas (forward), Tiffany McBreyer (c. midfield/goalie), Annika Guijt (r. midfield), Coach Dirk, Catalina Morrison (l. midfield), Amanda Puig(c. midfield/goalie), Sofia Hillman (defender).
