2009 (15U) State Premiership I
A WINNER WILL BE CROWNED
Wizard FC host Rockford Raptors in what will be the final game of the 15U Girls State Premiership I. The undefeated and leaders Wizard FC face their final test and far from an easy one at that. Rockford Raptors sit 2nd place, only three points behind, they will look at it as their final obstacle. All Wizard FC need is one point to be crowned Champions. Rockford needs a minimum of a two-goal differential win to be crowned Champion as this would involve going down the tiebreakers list to goal differential. An unmissable finale to the 15U Girls State Premiership I division.
The first four standings tiebreaker in the Premiership division where two teams are tied in points will be the following:
1. Winner of head-to-head competition
2. Winner of most games
3. Goal differential (maximum of five goals per game)
The Oak Brook side enters the final game of the competition undefeated, winning five games and drawing two, putting them at the top of the standings with 17 points and a goal differential of 14, this is important. Rockford Raptors have four wins one loss and two draws, putting them at 14 points with a goal differential of 11. If Wizard FC manage even just a point at home on Saturday, they will be crowned Champions as they will finish with 18 points. A win will of course get them to 20 with the same result in the standings.
If the Rockford side win by two goals, for example, 2-0, 3-1 or 4-2 they will be crowned Champions as this will put them level on points at 17 after the win and their goal differential will go up to 13 while Wizard’s will go down to 12. If this is to happen, the first tiebreaker would be dismissed because they would take a game apiece as Wizard FC beat Rockford Raptors in Rockford 2-1 in their first encounter and now, in this scenario, Rockford would get their win. The second tiebreaker would be dismissed as well because both teams would now both have five wins. We would have to go to the third tiebreaker where even a win from Rockford, but by the slimmest of margins, 1-0, would give the Championship to Wizard FC. It cannot be any more intriguing and could be of the most exciting games of the whole Premiership season.
Coaches’ Pre-Game Interview
A game where the result can decide who ends as champion. How do you get your team mentally prepared for a game like this and what does the preparation look like?
William White – Rockford Raptors
Take it like any other game
Sarrah Ludig – Wizard FC
The girls come in just as any other game, mentally and physically locked in. We don’t focus too heavily that this depicts who is at the top of the league or not. The girls have worked hard all season to get themselves in a great spot sitting in first place right now, and they will continue to play hard against a great opponent this weekend.
You started the season playing each other, what do you expect from your opposition?
William White – Rockford Raptors
Hard fight match
Sarrah Ludig – Wizard FC
A very good technical and physical team. It is going to be a great game to end the season with! The girls and I are very excited.
What has made you most proud about your team and their impressive season?
William White – Rockford Raptors
Their hard work ethic
Sarrah Ludwig – Wizard FC
We have had a very busy spring season, and the girls come out to every training and game with passion, determination, and hard work. They work hard for their team and consistently are positive and encourage one another.
Final Thoughts
Direct quotes by the coaches of the Game of The Week are shown above. It is a time to reflect on what has made them successful and what has gotten them to the place to be fighting until the very last match to sit at the pinnacle. The girls have worked hard to be at the top of the division, and it was never going to be easy. The grit, heart and determination by both set of players will be in full effect on Saturday, June 8th at 12pm in Oak Brook.