After a long winter break, Colorado Rush ECNL teams were back in action this past weekend as they travelled to Seattle to take on Reign and Crossfire. Below are writeups from team captains about their trip.
U19 ECNL - Sofia Weiner
The ECNL U-19 girls team traveled along side 5 other Rush teams to Seattle this past weekend. All of the Rush teams faced Seattle Reign on Saturday and Crossfire on Sunday. The U-19 girls started the weekend off strong against Seattle Reign in some pretty bad weather. The game started off with total domination by the CO Rush team. We were connecting passes and pressing the Reign consistently throughout the game. About halfway through the first half Madi Johnson drew a PK and Cam Dyke calmly finished it off, putting the Rush up 1-0 to finish the half. During the second half we really stepped up our attack and started creating chances. Bella Alessi found herself perfectly in front of the goal to finish off a ball crossed by Abby Kassal. The Rush did not stop there, Hailey Stodden perfectly placed a rebounded ball to put the Rush up 3-0. Towards the end of the game we gave up a goal but the Reign did not have enough to come back and the Rush took the win.
On Sunday the U-19 girls faced Crossfire, who they have had some previous history with. The game started in freezing rain and the Rush came out flying. For most of the first half the game was very evenly matched with neither team creating many chances despite the fluke break away that we gave up about halfway through the first half. The first half ended with the Rush down by 1 but we were not deflated but rather inspired and encouraged to make a comeback. We worked exceptionally hard and we were finally rewarded with a nice strike from Sofia Weiner with about 15 minutes left in the half. We began pushing even harder and finally with 3 minutes and 30 seconds left we were given a free-kick outside the box which Cam Dyke then served in. It was a fight for the ball in the box and finally Hailey Stodden finish the ball off and we went up 2-1. During that play one of their players went down with an injury and Crossfire began to fight for a recall on the goal but it never came. As we lined up on our side of the field the ref blatantly blew her whistle three times and pointed at the center of the field to indicate the end of the game. Our subs and coaches as well as Crossfire’s subs and coaches entered the field to shake hands and wrap the game up. Then out of nowhere the ref approached us and said once the injured player exited the field we would play one minute of overtime and leave the field immediately after. We agreed but much to our demise when we lined up the ref held up 4 fingers indicating an extra 4 minutes of overtime not 1 like we agreed. At that point we had no choice but to play and in the 3rd minute of a 4 minute overtime Crossfire tied the game up. The Rush is fighting the ref's mistakes and we claim the game as a win!!!
U18 ECNL - Sarah Anschutz
The U18 ECNL team traveled to Washington to play a set of league games this past weekend. The girls came out to a fast start, but despite their many goal scoring opportunities they could not find the back of the net. Washington Premiere could not break through the strong defense and the game resulted in a 0-0 end.
The U18's had a good game against Crossfire ECNL on Sunday. Despite a 2-0 loss, the U18 defense continuously attacked space creating a lot of opportunity for the wingers. The wingers then found many opportunities to cross the ball into dangerous areas. While the center midfield possessed the ball well by passing quickly and finding great through balls to the center forward. However, an early goal in the beginning, a faulty penalty kick, and bad weather conditions contributed to our loss.
U17 ECNL - Bella Scaturro
This Saturday the U17 Colorado Rush team tied Seattle Reign. The Rush started of strong, distributing the ball to wide players or playing balls into forwards. Half way through the first half the Rush received a free kick just outside the box. Macy Clem finished the deflected ball sent into the box by Cori Dyke putting the Rush at a 1-0 lead. Both teams continued to fight hard, and the Reign tied up the game on a good shot from outside the box. The second half consisted of tough defense and a variety of offensive chances for the Rush. Unable to complete their chances the game ended on a 1-1 tie.
On Sunday the U17 Rush played Crossfire Premier. This team was tough competition. The Rush worked to penetrate Premier’s lines and succeeded giving them a few chances, one bouncing down of the bottom of the top post. On the other end, however, Crossfire was able to make a couple of good shots finishing the first half off with a 0-2 lead over the Rush. The Rush was ready to come out strong in the second half and gave their best effort defending throughout the field. Although they worked hard, the Rush was unable to finish, resulting in a 0-3 lose.
U16 ECNL - Bailey Moyer
Looking back to our first game against Seattle Reign, I did see a lot of positives, our set plays were so close to working. We hit the cross bar, I see with a little more practice this will work well for the team. We were playing with confidence and supporting our teammates in this game, moving the ball well up the field. The passing was a positive in this game. We are getting comfortable with our positioning on the field.
The following game against Crossfire was a tougher match. They had size and speed, this in turn impacted our play. When presented with this type of play, I can see we draw in as players, not trusting in our ability. I felt a little like we tried to make plays as one person instead of allowing our passing and supporting of one another to bring us to victory. I believe in this team and I know we have it in us be successful.
U15 ECNL
During our first game we play very good with a lot of intensity. It was a very fun game to play in because we worked well together as a team. We were very good at defending Seattle Reign. We dominated the game with the other team only having a few chances from a fast girl up top. We had many more chances and had a good finish from McKenna in the second half. We held them off for the rest of the game and got a good 1-0 win. During our second game, we had a harder time against Crossfire. They beat us physically in some areas of the field. They also had a strong back line and defending shape which made it difficult to create chances. Our first half was tough and ended with us down 2-0. We came out of halftime strong and with lots of energy. They scored again to make the final 3-0. Unfortunately we couldn't put the ball in, but we gave a good fight. Coach Mark told us that this team should remember us and we thing they will.
U14ECNL
The GU14's traveled to Seattle for their first ever ECNL games away from home. The girls were given homework to learn their room names they were assigned to at the Team Hotel. Each room leader had to give 5 fun facts of their Rush alum room name. They were Jordan ANGELI, Danielle FOXHOVEN, Lindsey HORAN and Danica EVANS. In the evening U14's had to partner up and find two players from the U15 ECNL team that was staying in the same team hotel and share a table at dinner and get to know one another as part of our club unity.
With players excited and energized to play, the 04's took an early lead against the NWSL's Seattle Reign Academy. With the rain pouring down, conditions were perfect for soccer, that is unless you are from Colorado and they were new to you. With the ball skipping the GU14 Rush found it hard to cope with the direct and affective play of the Reign. 3-1 at half, the game ended 5-1 to the Reign.
Sunday brought about some team building and a trip to Seattle's trendy Fish Market district and a ride on the ferris wheel. From here the team made their way to play a talented Crossfire team. Again, Rush got off to a flyer, possessing the ball well, creating chance after chance and breaking the dead lock with a great free-kick. The Rush 03's were dominating in every area of the field, passes completed, 1st balls won, shots on goal and the speed at which all the above were executed at. With the score 1-0 Rush at half time Rush set out to win the second half also.
A very different Crossfire team came in the second half and put the Rush girls under a lot of pressure. With 12 minutes to go the Crossfire team scored two quick goals and Rush just couldn't get back in the game. With injuries to key players, Rush now travel home to play cross town ECNL rivals Storm. The game is Sunday, 9am at Aurora Sports Park.