Girls U-15 State Final

Phoenix Red 3 - Spokane Shadow 0

This was a good match-up of teams with a bit different style of play. Spokane trying to play a passing game from the back, while Phoenix had a nice mix of passing and direct long balls to their speedy forwards. Spokane started the game very well, passing the ball all over the field and looking to be playing fine soccer. Then things quickly changed and you could tell Spokane would have some speed to deal with from Phoenix up front.

Phoenix had a great burst down the field and had just won a corner kick against Spokane. Megan Chapin took the corner and it was a scramble in the box, with the ball being struck by a Phoenix playing and the post making a great save. Moments later Phoenix received a free kick on the right side that Chapin hit hard, but wide of the goal. It seemed like the Chapin show when she received a ball on a breakaway and headed into the box. If not for the the Spokane GK Elizabeth Boyden coming off her line hard and cutting her angle, it may have been a goal. Chapin was forced to touch it wide and her angle became zero for a shot on goal.

Spokane then regained some composure after this 5 min or more display by Phoenix. They started to gain a bit more of the play and seemed to settle into a rythm. They soon found Abbie Goss in the box and she quickly turned and fired a shot. The keeper for Phoenix Ashley Engel made the save with little issues. Spokane kept it in the Phoenix end for a few more minutes and looked strong, but never really got into the Phoenix box or had quality chance.

Phoenix then struck with their speed. On a longer ball behind the Spokane defense playing fairly flat across the back. Megan Chapin raced onto the end of it and dribble down the line. Chapin whipped in a cross that Pfeiffer Blocker had timed a perfect run for a tap in, for a 1-0 Phoenix lead. Phoenix continued to use their speed to cause havoc for Spokane. Chapin minutes later raced down the left side and sent a cross in that just missed the head of Mackenzie Harrison. The teams head to half with Phoenix up 1-0, and looking too fast up front for the flat defense Spokane is playing.

Phoenix starts the second half with the first shot and chance to score. Pfeiffer Blocker getting the ball and hitting a shot over the goal. Phoenix continues to look dangerous with their speed and it looks to be a definite game plan by their coaches to use it as much as possible.

Spokane was not about to let the 1-0 score detour them. They maintained composure and ended up winning a free kick near the sideline. They played it like a corner, sending a nice ball in the area toTiara Pittman. Pittman had a nice touch on the ball and sent a soft shot at the GK Ashley Engel, a bit unlucky given the chance. Then Spokane had what was a great chance to tie the game when Jaimey Etten got into the area and fired a shot that the Phoenix goalkeeper Engel smothered to preserve the game at 1-0. Then Spokane had a nice run by Tiara Pittman, who cut a ball back and fired. The Phoenix defender was up to task though and cleared it long.

It was on another long ball that found space behind the Spokane defense that proved to be deadly. Megan Chapin was in free and clear and made it count. She came in and calmly slotted the ball far post of a Phoenix 2-0 lead. It couldn't have been more than 10 minutes later, when Phoenix again got behind the defense. A ball sent across the box, that th Spokane goalie Elizabeth Boyden just couldn't get and keep. Chapin was there to knock in the ball into an empty net, with a heads up play by staying alert and never giving up. Phoenix was up 3-0 at this point and the rest of the game was just killing the clock.

Phoenix did a great job all game using their width and speed to play balls into the corners or edges of the 18 yard box. It seemed to work to perfection with most of their goals being races to balls played just over the defense. Truly a great job of exploiting a flat defensive scheme, they worked it to perfection. Spokane should be very proud of their year, moving up from P-2 and winning the regular P-1 season. This age for girls has had a different State Champion every year, simply amazing age.

Also thanks Greg Lambert for helping us with the 2 goalies names as well, it's the coaches, parents, and players that make WPS job easy and enjoyable to cover the games. Thanks for the feedback.

Boys U-15 Final

Crossfire Premier 2 - Heat 1

This game started off very fast. Just minutes in Crossfire had a throw-in that Ellis McLoughlin alertly thru into the goal area where not one but two Crossfire players were making runs unmarked. Esteban Reyes alertly received the throw-in and finished it easily for a 1-0 Crossfire lead. Crossfire continued the early pressure with Heat a bit shaken by the early goal. On a free kick sent in by Anthony Arena that found the head of Esteban Reyes, Reyes sent his head wide.

Heat however began to get back into the flow of play and started creating chances for themsleves. It started with Mowlid Hersi hitting a shot at the Crossfire keeper Brooks Hopp. Then later getting a very nice chance at the top of the 18 that was well hit and Hopps made a great save tapping it over the bar to preserve the 1-0 lead. it was maybe 5 to 10 minutes later Heat would strike. Heat winning a corner that get's sent in and in a crowd Mowlid Hersi getting up and finishing it for a 1-1 tie.

Crossfire then had a nice chance when Ellis McLoughlin got loose on the left side on a breakaway. Heading into the box McLoughlin hit a low hard shot that the Heat keeper made a nice save on.

Heat then has what looked like a goal. A shot from Andres Suazo-Ramirez from the left side that looked like a missile. The Crossfire GK Brooks Hopp did very well with the sun in his eyes to tap it wide and over, on a ball hit into the upper V. The teams head to half knotted at 1-1.

The second half started in what has been a tightly played and for the most part even game. Heat has Mowlid Hersi get a breakaway to start the chance for the half. If not for a very good GK Brooks Hopp on this day making a great save Heat would be up 2-1, instead it's 1-1 still.

Crossfire then gets their best chance of the half on a nice run down the line by Ellis McLoughlin, who sends a cross in that is on target for Surafel Worku. Worku just misses the volley and a 2-1 Crossfire lead as it passes by him. McLoughlin isn't done though, later getting his second breakaway. McLoughlin seemed to hit it a bit off and it softly went the the Heat keeper. Then Crossfire had a free kick that David Sifuentes hit hard on goal and the Heat keeper made a great diving save.

Highline had some very nice moments as well. They always had Mowlid Hersi up front who with his speed and ability seemed so close to breaking loose all game. On a nice ball played into the Crossfire defensive end, Heat player Marshall Kosaka had a beautiful turn off his chest. Kosaka sent a blazing shot well over the goal, but it was an impressive turn and fire.

What may have been the best finish of the whole tournament. Ellis McLoughlin sent a cross into the area from 35 yards out or so on the left side. Esteban Reyes on a full run, chest trapped the ball with an elegant soft touch and finished it calmly into the net for a Crossfire 2-1 lead. It was so fluid and graceful out of the air, Reyes was truly special much of the game. Reyes had an early 3rd goal called back after chipping the keeper and having a teammate poke it in for an offside call.

The game ended 2-1, but in this game there were two teams that played their hearts out. Heat to me played exceptionally well and were very impressive. I felt at times that the Crossfire GK Brooks Hopp was the difference in the game. He made several saves, or the Heat may have won the game. Great job by both teams in a final that was very entertaining to watch.

Also wanted to comment on 2 players on both teams that did very well. Crossfire-Esteban Reyes and Heat-Mowlid Hersi.....I know it's a team game, but these 2 today were special.

WPS Staff