ECNL: Bethesda SC moves atop U-14 Mid-Atlantic Conference standings with two wins

By Jimmy LaRoue

Bethesda SC’s Under-14 ECNL squad swept games this weekend with its Virginia counterparts, defeating both Richmond Strikers and Virginia Rush to move to the top of the Mid-Atlantic Conference standings. Local U-15 through U-17 ECNL teams had the weekend off.

In the 2-1 win over the Strikers (0-4-0) Saturday, Olivia Kane led Bethesda SC (3-0-0) with a goal and assist, while Natalie Gately had the other goal, and Samantha Martinez added Bethesda’s other assist.

Gately and Fink figured prominently in Sunday’s 8-0 win over Rush (1-3-0), as Gately had a goal and two assists, and Fink had a hat-trick and two assists. Olivia Kane added two goals and an assist, and Cameron Murtha scored also. Jenna Cohen, Sofia Rebaudengo and Madeline Shrout contributed assists.

FC Virginia’s U-14s went 1-0-1 on an Ohio road trip, playing Carmel United to a scoreless tie Saturday, then picking up a 3-2 win over Ohio Elite Soccer Academy. McLean Youth Soccer also made an Ohio roadie to play the same two teams, tying Ohio Elite Soccer Academy 3-3, but falling 7-2 to Carmel United.

The Strikers fell Sunday to Freestate Soccer Alliance by another 2-1 margin.

None of the conference’s U-15 through U-18 teams were in action over the weekend.

Bethesda and Freestate’s U-14s each play a pair of games on the road next weekend, while the only other local teams in ECNL action next weekend are a pair of U-18 squads who are traveling to Arizona as part of the league’s first showcase of the season.

Rush’s U-18s will take on Sereno Soccer Club, Sockers FC and Atlanta Fire, while FC Virginia play Concorde Fire, Real Colorado and Arsenal FC.