USL News Release
Thursday, July 21, 2011
TAMPA, Fla. - The 2011 United Soccer Leagues Super-20 Women's North American Finals kicked off Thursday at the J.C. Handly Complex in Tampa, Florida. On a humid night, both the Victoria Highlanders FC and Toronto Lynx Juniors came out flying. Nerves were put by the wayside as both teams looked to impress on the opening night of the North American Championships. Ultimately, Victoria prevailed, 2-1.
Both teams struggled in the opening minutes but it was Victoria that found the opening goal.The Highlanders went ahead within the opening five minutes, capitalizing on a goalmouth scramble. This dream start was just what the Highlanders needed as they settled into the game with a goal and plenty of possession.
Toronto struggled to gain a foothold on the match due to the Highlanders' relentless possession. Classy distribution out of the Victoria defense was key as Toronto sat deep in its defensive half, attempting to absorb Victoria’s offensive pressure. It was clear Toronto was attempting to counter attack Victoria and try to catch a goal on the break. However, the Highlanders' distribution to their wingers proved decisive.
“I have two really strong outside midfielders and if we can use them more and get them wide, it will open up the middle of the field,” Victoria Head Coach Rick Zaharia said.
Against the run of play, Toronto’s equalizer came halfway through the first half and it was the lift of confidence the Junior Lynx needed. Both teams were off the mark at the North American Finals and confident of pushing on for all three points. In the second half, darting runs from Katie Kraeutner from wide positions put the Junior Lynx defense under constant pressure. Crossing into the box from the left flank, Victoria nearly went ahead as Kraeutner’s cross found the back post. The ball was then squared to the penalty spot, but the shot was fired straight into the goalkeeper's hands.
Toronto kept up a valiant defensive effort deep into the match, until Victoria’s wing play provided the cutting edge. In added time, the match was decided on a late strike from Sarah Lefebvre on a quick restart from Kraeutner. Kraeutner was fouled out on the left flank and fired the ball into the penalty area, and after catching the Junior Lynx defense off guard, Lefebvre found the back of the net on a shot from the top of the box. Off a minor deflection, this strike gave Victoria the win they craved to kick start their finals campaign.
Triangle FC 2, Reading United AC 1
Kicking off at the same time, Triangle FC faced Reading United AC. Both teams battled through a scoreless first half of play as opportunities were hard to come by. Crossing deep into the Reading penalty area, Farrell Sweeney nearly lobbed the Reading goalkeeper, but that was as close as either team came to scoring.
Reading snatched a lead early in the second half and looked to be well on their way to topping the group, but it wasn’t to be. Triangle FC kept applying pressure and eventually found a goal with 13 minutes to go. Carrying momentum late into the match, Triangle pressed on and found the winner late into added time.
“The kids never stopped working. We have a really good young group that’s here as well. It’s just elation right now” Triangle FC Head Coach Pete Sadin said.