Ironically, the weekend started out with the same opponent, but different result, losing to West Coast 0-2. From there the group rebounded, with a refreshing pool party, and came back out to the field ready to go, winning 2-0, to set up a make-it-or-break-it third game on Sunday morning.

 

Chelsea took the lead 1-0 early in the second-half against the Oceanside Breakers, who only needed a tie to advance to the semi-finals. While the Breakers created several quality chances to even the score late in the game, the goalkeeping prowess of Izzy Magaña proved to be equal to the challenge. 

 

This victory set up a Monday afternoon showdown with TV Hawks, a team who had won all three of their preliminary games, and had yet to give up a goal. The Chelsea girls found themselves down early in the match, 0-1. Even after the girls tied the game, a late goal made the game 1-2 at the half. 

 

Pumped up and confident, the girls came out ready to play the second half, but gave up yet another goal to find themselves down 1-3, and the parents pondering an early return home. Then the magic happened.

 

In the 20 minutes that remained, against a team who hadn't given up any goals in the preceding games, the Chelsea girls lit up the scorecard by netting 5 goals, including a hat-trick by Sierra Chhoeung, punting the final tally to 6-3, and catapulting the team into the finals.

 

In the final game, the girls beat West Coast and sealed up their victory with two outstanding goals, and a dynamite performance by goalkeeper Emma Deane.

Congratulations to all Chelsea G99 players for a great soccer tournament.  Jenn says "Congratulations Girls! We are so proud of you! Whoo-Whoo!"