Having won Region A Cup the Fury U12 Girls found themselves on a 12 hour coach ride to Pensacola, Florida. The decision was made to travel all day Thursday and train twice on Friday to shake off the drive.

With the training sessions behind them the Fury now faced Region D Champs Pensacola F.C. Pensacola had home advantage with no travel, and playing on their regular field, the Fury knew they would be up against it. In a very competitive affair the Fury always looked like they had a little more but Pensacola was determined and provided a stiff test. However, Amanda Kreitzer stepped onto the field from the bench and immediately pressured the defenders causing them to turn the ball over to Rachel Swadlow who tucked home the goal to take the Fury into half time with a 1-0 lead (pictured left)

Early in the second half Cassandra Etzig who had been playing superbly had to substitute and now the Fury had to play out the remainder of the game with just one player to use from the bench. Pensacola kept pushing but the second half was dominated by the Weston players and with 5 minutes left, Jawni Vidal’s corner was too difficult for the goalkeeper to handle and the game winning goal was made. The Fury would now face Clearwater Chargers in the final.

The final, as expected, was a truly competitive game. The weather was a huge factor with 20 mile an hour + winds and rain providing a very difficult playing surface and environment.

Clearwater had the advantage in the first half with the wind and rain in the backs and took advantage of it early. A goal from outside the box skidded into the bottom corner to provide them with a lead they would protect through half time. The Fury were not done though and pushed the Chargers hard, equalizing in the second half when a great corner was deflected into the Clearwater net making the score 1-1.

With 10 minutes left the game was end to end with both teams trying to win it and avoid penalty kicks. Clearwater got a break down the right hand side and the ball could not be cleared in the wet surface by the Fury and was poked home by the Chargers to take the Championship.

Coach Foy of Weston said, “I am delighted with the group of girls. They have exceeded our expectations this year time and time again and the credit and prestige of winning Region A Cup and finishing runners up in what is the State Championship for this age group has been earned by the girls through their dedication and hard work. I am truly proud of them.”