Chatham U11 girls wins Michigan tourney

Chatham Soccer U11 team members (pictured left to right): Top row: Kyle Blokzyl (coach), Ella Braithwaite, Moira Hughes, Audrey DeTamble, Juliet Ray, Julie Saunders, Harper Copeland, Audrina List, Katie Buckler (coach), Jeff Braithwaite (coach). Bottom row: Jocelyn Morkin, Alexa Kearney, Selena Merilees, Haven Buckler, Kyrah Quigley, Braelah Wright-Morgan, Bryn Blokzyl, Charlotte Brisco.

This past weekend the Chatham Soccer girls U11 team finished off their season across the border at the Lightning Cup Tournament in Rochester Hills, Michigan.

The girls learned how to play with throw-ins and offsides and adjusted to play with two extra players in this 9v9 competition, rather than their 7v7 rules for Ontario Soccer.

The girls adapted well and played four of their most challenging games of the season and went undefeated in the tournament.

In the championship game against Michigan Jaguars FC Novi, the game was tied 0-0 at the half, going back and forth in a tight game. Chatham broke the tie half-way through the second half with a goal by Audrey DeTamble, and Audrina List added an insurance goal with five minutes left. Haven Buckler earned the clean sheet.

Game #1 was one of the most difficult, winning 1-0 against Grosse Ile Chaos.

Game #2 was close in the first half, with only a 1-0 lead, but Chatham pulled away with a 4-1 win against Nationals Macomb.

Game #3 was tied 2-2 at half before they pulled ahead with a strong 5-2 win over Michigan Jaguars FC West Bloomfield to finish off pool play. Chatham’s perfect 3-0 record earned them a spot into the finals.

Audrina List and goalkeeper Haven Buckler had outstanding performances throughout the tournament. All the girls played their hearts out and the coaches and parents couldn’t be more proud of their accomplishments!

The girls finished the season with a record of 25 wins, 2 ties and 1 loss.

The team would like to thank their sponsor WP – Web & Print Boutique www.webplanet.ca