The James Island Luna Chicks U10 girls soccer team knocked off USA Rank.com nationally #1 ranked SYA Storm (Fairfax, VA) by a score of 2-1 to capture the 2009 Matthews USA Invitational Soccer Tournament in Charlotte, NC. James Island opened up the tournament with a 4-0 shutout of Charlotte United FC Harris. This game was followed up by shutout victories over CUFC Speed Black (NC) and nationally ranked WCWAA-ITAA FC (NC), both matches won by a 5-0 margin. This set up the finals with SYA Storm, playing out of the Washington Area Girls Soccer League (WAGS), who won the other bracket with shutout victories of 9-0, 1-0, and 9-0.
The championship match was played at a furious pace with numerous scoring opportunities for both sides. James Island opened up the scoring at the 10 minute mark of the 1st half on a well placed shot by Jordon Tittle. The Storm retaliated with a well executed cross, tying the match at the 21 minute mark of the 1st half. The score remained 1-1 until halftime. The fast pace of the match continued into the 2nd half. The Luna Chicks took the lead 2-1 at the 8 minute mark of the second half on a strong throw into the 6 yard box by Elizabeth Root. The SYA Storm rallied furiously over the remainder of the match with numerous shots on goal, but were unable get past James Island goal keeper Maggie Berlin before the whistle sounded.
As pictured:
l-r Asst Coach Peter Sherman Coach Clinton Chamness,
Top row l-r Elizabeth Root, Jordan Tittle, McKenna Costa, Maggie Berlin, Amanda Simmons
Bottom l-r Sarah Walters, Madeline Chamness, Emily Conway, Madeleine Clark, Sophie Sherman
