Ramona FC girls team advances to top 8 in So Cal State Cup
By Deena Vizcarra
The Ramona FC Girls U16 team ended its season in the top 8 in the 2013 State Cup Tournament last weekend.
Ramona girls traveled to Apple Valley for the second weekend in a row to compete against the top 16 teams in Southern California and moved on to compete against the top 8 that same day.
In the first game, Ramona went up against Mission Viejo Pateadores. The game resulted in a tie (1-1), two 15-minute overtime periods that ended in a tie (0-0), and finished with an intense penalty kick (PK) shootout for the win.
Ramona’s goal was scored with an amazing shot by Naomi Ramirez from outside the 18-yard box. Ramona keeper Taylor Stacy dominated in saves throughout the game and overtime. The defensive team of Shelby Sherman, Sydney Marin, Courtney Dolan, and Katherine Lorentz did not let up and kept Mission Viejo from scoring again.
Daniela Charbonneau stepped in as keeper for the PK shootout. PK shots for Ramona were taken in order by Karli Njaa (1), Kathrin Hoertig (1), Marin, Sherman (1), Charbonneau (1), and Dolan (1). Ramona won in the shootout 5-4.
Ramona was then in the top 8 and went up against San Luis Obispo Storm for the second game, which resulted in a loss 0-2. At halftime the score was 0-1 SLO Storm. The second goal was scored by SLO Storm in the middle of the second half. The midfield team of Teresa Italiano, Njaa, Hoertig, Ramirez, and Megan Vandervort, along with forwards Danielle Vizcarra and Charbonneau, worked hard and was able to break through the Storm’s tough defense but was unable to score.
“I am very proud of the girls. This is the first Ramona girl’s team to advance this far in a state cup tournament. Each year the girls get one step closer to that championship game,” said coach Justin “JJ” Jordan.
The girls left Apple Valley excited, knowing that all of their hard work paid off. Next season they will compete as Arsenal FC San Diego. For more information on Arsenal FC, visit the Ramona FC website, www.ramonafc.com.