The Ela Soccer Club U14 Elite Girls capped off a great weekend in Memphis, TN by winning the championship game, 1-0 over Dallas Sting West 99 on Sunday afternoon.
Playing in the Germantown Invitational Tournament at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex, the team won their group with 2 wins and a draw, which advanced them to the final.
Saturday morning's game set the stage for a possible strong weekend as the team won 6-0 in their opening match. Two early goals by Alliyah Parker and another by Angie Salvi gave Ela a 3-0 lead at the half. Aneli Solis, Emily Fabbrini and Kaitlyn Horndasch added their goals in the 2nd half to seal the win.
In a physical second match, Ela's 1-0 lead at the half ended in a 1-1 final.
Four quality chances on goal in the last five minutes just couldn't find their way into the net. The best chance coming from Lexi Gora, whose left footed shot was pushed over the cross bar in the final minute. Parker netted her 3rd goal of the day, with Erin Neeson and Tara Frank providing the assists.
Sunday morning's match would have seen the squad through to the final with just a draw. But, the players were hungry for another win to give them momentum in the final. At the half, the score stood 0-0, with Ela providing most of the possession and chances on goal. Madison Hart came up with a big 1 on 1 save on the goal line to thwart a goal against the run of play. Riley Riggs and Emma Wenckowski provided stability in the back, and Kyra Ripoli once again held down the center of the midfield, providing Salvi the opportunity to attack at will. Kaitlyn Horndasch picked up her second goal of the weekend from a Lexi Gora cross twelve minutes from time, and Ela rode the game out comfortably.
An early 8th minute goal by Siena Roberston proved to be all that was needed to earn the championship.
While the Dallas Sting played a good brand of soccer and their goalkeeper came up big a few times, Ela's defense continued their strong performance over the weekend.
Jessica Stomberg, Erin Neeson and Kaitlyn Horndasch gave the Sting fits with their flank play, using the width on the outside mid to keep the ball and send in penetrating crosses.
Ela finished the weekend 3-0-1 overall, with 9 goals for and just 1 against.