Missouri Rush Premier v Rush Azul in a 2004 Girls Gold bracket match at the Show Me Showdown on September 9, 2018
The Missouri Rush Show-Me Showdown saw a number of games Sunday decide age group titles and the 2004 (U15) Gold bracket was no different. Kolping Kicks were the champions but it was via a tiebreaker that went to goal differential. I caught the derby game that ended the weekend between the Rush Premier Valenti squad (in blue) and Rush Azul that ended in a 2-2 draw. If either team could have gotten a game-winner, they would have earned the hardware with Rush Premier Valenti the Finalist. 2004 Girls: Missouri Rush Premier v Rush Azul
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I caught the second half and the teams were kind enough to save all of the fireworks for my arrival. The scoring opened with a some nice combination play by Premier with their speedy winger #17 Cooper getting to the endline and taking a shot as she turned into the box. It was parried by the keeper but their forward #33 I believe was there to finish for the initial lead. It was matched very soon after on a wonder strike by midfielder #4 Sophia Cain (I know her name because Mom already purchased photos. Thanks!) Playing in the defensive midfield, she picked up a ball just beyond the center circle, took a couple of steps and unleashed a shot that went in just under the crossbar from 35 yards. Very well struck.
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Seventeen minutes in Valenti took their second lead of the game with a similar goal by their left back I believe #18 (tallest one, receiving congratulations). She picked up a loose ball 40 yards out, cut inside and took a shot from 25 yards, she hit the ball well and beat the keeper. It took Azul another ten minutes but with some nice teamwork again tied the score. A great overlapping run down the right, holding off an initial challenge and a nice ball through the six yard box. A scrum at the far post saw #1 get a touch in a crowd to touch it over the line.
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Valenti almost got the game-winner late in the game when a nice through ball sent their winger #21 in on goal. She kept a step ahead of the closing defender and got her shot off but the Azul keeper anticipated well and got down to push the shot wide, ensuring she and her teammates captured the Finalist hardware.
As always, feel free to update me with team rosters or details on your child I don’t have. Contact Ole
