Illinois ODP sent to 10 teams to the Far West ODP Championships in Mesa, AZ from January 5-8 and the 2010 Girls Illinois ODP team came back as Champions of the event.
After opening tournament play with a 0-0 draw against host state Arizona ODP, the 2010 girls offense exploded for 14 goals over their next two victories and earned themselves a spot in the semifinals.
“Offensively, the team gave an excellent performance throughout the event, led by the best midfielders in the Midwest, Alexa Patel, Samantha Horner, and Keira Stone,” Marek Radziszewski, the 2010 Girls Head Coach and Illinois ODP Director said. “Our offensive players, including Allison Forester, Chloe Fisher, Aoi Maeda, Avery Morales, and Brooke Genthner, produced many scoring chances, resulting in 17 goals over the weekend, with our forward Fabiola Martinez scoring six on her own.”
In the semifinal versus Montana, the defense produced its third shutout in four games as the Illinois ODP squad eked out a 1-0 win over the squad from “Big Sky Country.”
“The defensive play was outstanding,” said Radziszewski. “Defenders Emma Patience, Danica Goldman, Allison Ray, Sahana Raju, and Isabella Papa supported our goalkeepers Logan Murphy and Olivia Wallen, keeping four clean sheets in five games.”
Goals by Chloe Fischer and Aoi Maeda, along with a continued stellar defensive effort, propelled the 2010 to the Championship match win over Alaska.
Congratulations to the 2010 Illinois ODP players that brought home the Far West Regional Championships:
- Lucinda Clark
- Chloe Fisher
- Allison Forrester
- Brooke Genthner
- Danica Goldman
- Samantha Horner
- Aoi Maeda
- Fabiola Martinez
- Avery Morale
- Logan Murphy
- Isabella Papa
- Alexa Patel
- Emma Patience
- Sahana Raju
- Allison Ray
- Eden Rodzynek
- Keira Stone
- Olivia Wallen
It was Illinois ODP’s first time attending the Far West Regional Championships, providing a new opportunity for players that participate in the program. In addition to the 2010’s Championship win, three other teams: 2007 Boys, 2011 Girls and 2011 Boys; each advanced to the semifinal match.
“It was a great experience, not only for the 2010 team that won but for all the Illinois teams and players that attended,” Radziszewsk said. “Each team represented the state very well and we look forward to coming back next year with more teams and players.”
See the complete results from the 2024 Far West ODP Championships here.