Although the first 2 games demonstrated extraordinary wins over Eclipse and John Gaspar, the Ela U12 Red Girls struggled through the third game to a 2-1 victory over Alliance and met a tough match against Glenview in the semi-finals; losing 3-2 in the final 60 seconds of the game.

Notable and impenetrable defense throughout kept scoring to a minimum. Shutouts in the first two games were the combined efforts of Samantha Everhart, Rebecca Riekki, Molly Machala and ultimately, goalies Sophia Starkis and Emma Daleske. Stopping a combined 2 game shots on goal of 32 by Eclipse and John Gaspar. Goals scored and assists by forwards Olivia Stomberg, Kristin Brousseau, Andrea Kamins and midfielder Kelsey Kee. Annika Steib and Leah McCoy kept ball in constant motion the length of the field while Captain Carley Peldiak directed and deflected play from center midfield. 

Girls played a substandard third game vs. Alliance but still emerged victorious 2-1. In first half, attempting 8 futile shots on goal with at last a first Ela goal by Olivia Stomberg on an assist from Kristin Brousseau and pass up from center midfielder Carley Peldiak. Alliance scored just before the half on a corner kick. Sustained defensive action by Rebecca Riekki, Molly Machala and Samantha Everhart kept the second half scoreless for Alliance and minimized shots on the Ela goal to 8 including a penalty kick. In the second half, a breakaway by Kristin Brousseau, passed to midfielder Annika Steib then goal scored by Olivia Stomberg with just 3 minutes left to play. Goalies Sophia Starkis and Emma Daleske were unrelenting in the box with a final score of 2-1. Ela U12 Girls proceeded to the semi-finals.

Game four was the first of the tournament with a complete U12 Red Roster. The Ela defensive obstruction and forward line speed was matched by the opponent.   Glenview scored first then Ela evened the score on a corner kick by Rebecca Riekka deflecting the ball off the opponent and into the net. The play was equalized by Glenview on another corner kick putting them in the lead at the half. Effective shielding by Molly Machala, Grace Kinsey and Samantha Everhardt kept opponent shots on goal to a only 5 in the second half while midfielders Carley Peldiak, Annika Steib, Kelsey Kee and Leah McCoy kept play predominantly on the Glenview side of the field.   After three failed shots on goal by Ela, Kristen Brousseau ultimately charged the goal, passing to Andrea Kamins who scored, tying the game 2-2. With only a little over 4 minutes remaining Glenview missed a penalty shot but kept up the pressure going on to score the game winning goal with less than 60 seconds remaining. Emma Daleske and Sophia Starkis closed down an additional 8 and 5 shots on goal respectively.

VS ALLIANCE                              2                             1

TOTALS                                       9                             4          

The team is ready for their new AB Division ranking with strong preseason showings in both the Elgin Cup and Palatine Celtic Tournament.

Kickin' more than grass out there.

- Jennifer Peldiak