2008 (17U) Girls State Premiership II
FSC Remain Undefeated
A seven-goal thriller took place in the Game of the Week, where the top two teams in the division faced off. Campton United visited FSC, where the hosts came away with the three points, winning 5-2. FSC took the three essential points and did it with flair.
The two sides began the first half quite evenly matched even though it only took eight minutes for Campton United to get the first goal. The St. Charles side was very dangerous on corner kicks, and they would take advantage of the first one. Callie Gates would be right where she needed to be as the ball would land right at her feet at the far post, and she would make it 1-0 Campton, early on. Both sides showed why they were at the top of the division as they were very evenly matched in the first 20 minutes. Keira Connolly for Campton United was commanding the midfield, distributing well and creating chances for her team. Her and Sydney Batts, Campton’s leading goal scorer, were becoming headaches for the FSC side. The 25-minute mark passed, and Nora Opila of FSC would open the scoring for the home side to bring things level, 1-1. No more than two minutes later, with all the momentum in the world, Samantha Anderson (FSC) would begin to take charge of the game. She had an opportunity early on but turned it up a notch. She showed great change of pace, lowering the shoulder and getting passed her defender, where she would lay it back and Teagan Murphy would be there to tap it in to make it 2-1. Only two minutes passed when Samantha would recover at half field, run with the ball down the left flank, maneuver well passed a few defenders and find herself alone with the Keeper. Brilliant run and goal by the FSC standout, and within 10 minutes, it was now 3-1 in favor of FSC. Campton did begin to come back into the game, they would push FSC back and finish the final 10 minutes as the most dangerous side.
Second half began as the first ended, Campton seemed the more likely to score. Yet again though, Samantha had something to say about this as she would connect brilliantly with Lea Fischer and Lea would open the scoring in the second half. It was now two assists and a goal for Samantha and Lea would show great composure to give her team more cushion, making it 4-1. Addison Ybarra of Campton would twice take her chances outside the box before Carly Fuentes of FSC would make two brilliant, identical saves. One was sent out for a corner, where Campton United would again show their strength in set pieces and Laine Griswold (Campton ) would make it 4-2. With 30 minutes left in the game, Campton felt there could definitely be a chance to turn things around. That momentum and confidence being built would be squashed quickly, as Nora Opila would intercept a ball being played out, she would take advantage of a mistake in the back, and slot it past the keeper to make it 5-2. This killed any momentum Campton was building, although they did manage to get more opportunities, there was nothing they could do against Carly anymore. She would make a top save after another to keep her the score at bay. She would be a big reason why the scoreline stayed 5-2 in favor of FSC.
Interview with Samantha Anderson
You went down early in the first half, but managed to quickly turn things around. What does that tell you about the resiliency of your team to bounce back like that?
We have let some teams get the better of us early on but we do a really good job of continuing to put 100% effort in and like this game, it really shows what this team is made of.
The team you just played, was undefeated and had only one goal scored on thus far and was leading the division. You guys scored five and there is lots to play for but with the result, your team moves to the top, how does that feel?
It feels good! We know that there is still a lot to play for but with this result it definitely gives us confidence to go out there and continue to show what this team can do.
A statement win. What does the conversation look like with the coach and within yourselves to keep this going?
I think it’s about us beating our last performance and just getting better and better. We want to show up and be the best team that we can be and I think it starts with us first.
Final Thoughts
This win temporarily put the Lombard side at the top of the table. Campton United did play another a day later, facing off against Tinley Park Bobcats where they would bounce back in dominating fashion, winning 4-1 and putting themselves back on top. With a game in hand, FSC is two points behind but when level in games, they did reach the summit. They will face off again on October 27th and it is looking likely, and as long as no one drops points, that the winner of that match will be crowned Champions of the State Premiership II.