U12 girls win Lightning Cup tournament
Pictured left to right. Top: Kyle Blokzyl (coach), Katie Buckler (coach) Charlotte Brisco, Ella Braithwaite, Moira Hughes, Bryn Simpson, Audrey DeTamble, Jocelyn Morkin, Jeff Braithwaite (coach). Bottom: Alexa Kearney, Bryn Blokzyl, Haven Buckler, Julie Saunders, Selena Merilees, Juliet Ray, Braelah Wright-Morgan, Audrina List. Front: Kyrah Quigley. Missing: Harper Copeland
The Chatham Soccer Club Girls U12 team capped off an outstanding season this past weekend by winning the Lightning Cup Tournament in Michigan, marking this their second consecutive victory at the tournament.
The Lightning Cup is a large and very competitive youth soccer tournament in Michigan, attracting teams from across the State of Michigan as well as Ohio and Canada. The tournament hosts 3,600+ players, 9,000+ attendees, 61 different clubs, 293 teams, playing 413 games, across 34 fields and two locations.
Chatham started strong in pool play with a 5-1 win over Michigan Jaguars West Bloomfield, followed by a 3-0 shutout of Goodrich SC. The last game of pool play was a hard-fought must win/tie or go home game. After being down 2-0 at the half the girls rallied and tied the game with 4 minutes remaining against a strong Warriors SC team who are ranked 35th in the State, securing them the top seed in their pool and a spot in the championship final.
The championship game against Eastside FC who are ranked #12 in the State proved to be a thrilling contest. After regulation and two overtime periods, the score remained tied 1-1, sending the match to a penalty shootout. Showing nerves of steel, Chatham converted the decisive kicks and captured the championship in dramatic fashion.
This victory was especially impressive because it was the girls’ first time competing in the 11v11 format, stepping up from their usual 9v9 games in Ontario. The team also displayed versatility by competing on full size fields which were a mix of indoor turf, outdoor grass, and outdoor turf, adapting seamlessly to each playing surface.
The Lightning Cup title capped off an amazing season for the team, who finished with an overall record of 15-2-5.