Congratulations to the Chicago Blast U15 Blue Girls team for winning in the Higher Tier Bolingbrook Labor Day Tournament. The U15 team went undefeated against all of the competition, but it wasn’t until the championship game that our team showed extraordinary character of will, determination, and desire not to give up no matter what. Our team fell behind twice 1-0 in the first half and 2-1 in the second half with about ten minutes to go in the game.  Leticia Diaz tied the game with some very good combination play with Anna Leopold and Veronica Nowak providing service. Veronika also hit a bullet off the cross bar to tease the crowd. With less than 40 seconds to go, Emily Curtiss scored a free kick from about 25 yards to put the game in a shoot out. The shoot out showed to be a chapter all by itself with all the emotional highs it provided.  Our shoot out keeper, Elora Otero, stopped all three shots the opponent took, and our team scored two out of the three to win the tournament. I have been involved in many great games and championships that our club has been part of, but this game was very special, because how the entire team came together and contributed.  I am so proud of our U15 Blue team, because they have elevated their play since the team was established four years ago. Besides having a great tournament, Anna Marie provided the necessary leadership in the back along with keeper Taylor Mott.  Many players battled injuries throughout the weekend but never quit and never panicked.  I was also proud of our U14 players and two U13 players who made strong contributions but more importantly gained tremendous experience. 

Once again, congratulations to all players, parents, and team administrators Judy Wolfe and Nick Ceh, and Coach Eddie for their efforts and overall success.  Another benefit to this weekend, as a coach, I know several players competitively grew up at this tournament.