In Boise, Idaho, for the Far Western Youth Soccer Championship games, the under-15 Pleasanton Rage girls’ soccer team defeated the Hawaii state champions 5-3 to earn their berth in the championship game, but then lost to the Washington state champions 2-1 in the final, hard-fought defensive battle.
The Rage Premier Team opened the Region IV Regional tournament by defeating the Oregon State champs 5-0. Asha Smith had two goals in the victory over Oregon. Ashley Loughmiller, Megan Jurado and Carlee Payne, who also had an assist in the game, scored the other goals.
In their second game, U15 girls fought back from a one-goal deficit to defeat the Nevada state champions, the Las Vegas Tabagators. ÝAfter being held scoreless in the first half, the Rage swarmed over the Tabagators in securing their 5-1 victory and a place in the second round of the tournament.
Against the team from Vegas, Jurado scored the first goal unassisted while Olivia Klie added two goals of her own. Forwards Smith and Payne padded the lead by adding a goal each. Sophie Metz played another solid game, assisting on two of the goals. Smith and Payne also added an assist each.
The Rage moved to the semi-final game with a decisive 3-0 victory over the Arizona state champions, the Sereno Eagles. Unlike the Nevada game, the Rage jumped on top early in the first half when Smith found an open Jurado for the first goal of the game. Only minutes later, Payne was credited with a goal when a crossing pass she made was deflected in by the Sereno goalkeeper. The third goal for the Rage was also scored by Smith on an assist from Racheal Mcglinchy just before the end of the first half.
In one of the most exciting games of the tournament, the Rage defeated Hawaii 5-3 in a game that required two 15-minute overtime periods. The Rage scored two goals in the first 20 minutes of play against Hawaii.ÝLoughmiller scored from an assist from Amanda Luxford.ÝMetz then scored from an assist from Klei. The Rage scored their third goal of the first half off a wild play that started when Luxford served a long ball to Payne. Payne then pounded a blast off the Hawaii goalkeeper, which provided a rebound opportunity to Jurado who put her shot off the cross bar. Loughmiller collected the rebound, passed to Metz who put the ball in the back of the net.
Hawaii did not give up, scoring two goals before the first half was finished and scoring the tying goal in the second half of play. The Rage charged into overtime by scoring two quick goals, one from Payne in the first minute and minutes later from Smith, who collected a loose ball and scored from 25 yards out. The Rage defense stiffened and did not allow any real Hawaiian scoring threats the rest of overtime.
The Rage defense was exceptional throughout the tournament, with exceptional play from Mcglinchy and Sam Cloutier.
Pleasanton National Little League summertime classic
The tournament takes place from July 15 to July 21, featuring 16 teams, each guaranteed four games.
Play starts with a round-robin on Saturday and Sunday. After the round-robin, teams will be divided into brackets based on their win-loss records. All teams have a chance at the Championship round regardless of round-robin record.
There is a single game elimination format beginning on Monday or Tuesday, depending on your bracket. Games on Friday will be for first, second, third and fourth place finishes. Trophies will be awarded to the first and second place finishers, with medals presented to those in third and fourth.
Contact Jim Phillips at jmpmphillips@comcast.net to secure a spot in the tournament.
Roller Hockey camps
This camp includes scrimmages, drills and fun games that focus on a strong base of fundamentals, as well as advanced skills. Players of all skill levels are welcome. This program is designed to help build confidence, self-discipline and a “team player” attitude. These camps will be held from 9-11 a.m. weekdays at Val Vista Community Park’s Roller Hockey Arena as follows:
* Ages 6-13: July 10-14
* Ages 6-13: Aug. 7-11
* Ages 6-13: Aug. 14-18
Cost for each camp is $72.
Fall Bocce League for adults 18 and over
The 2006 Fall Adult Bocce League will begin Tuesday, Sept. 5. Team registration information is available at the Tennis and Community Park, 5801 Valley Avenue. Co-ed leagues will be offered in both the Beginner Division and Advanced Division. League play is scheduled for 6-10 p.m. from Sept. 5 through Oct. 10. The cost is $72, plus an additional $3 for non-residents.
For more information, contact Ian Anderson at 931-3447. League fees and rosters are due at the time of registration. Games will be played at Centennial Community Park, 5353 Sunol Blvd.
