Recap from Day 2 of the ECNL Girls Florida Winter 2023 National Event

The second day of the ECNL Girls Florida National Event featured a full day of action across all fields at Premier Sports Campus. Here is a rundown of some of the day’s exciting contests.

Sting Austin vs East Meadow SC 1-1

At the 07 level, Sting Austin took on East Meadow SC in a tightly contested game throughout. Banin Patterson opened the scoring for Sting in the second half, before East Meadow answered back on a long-range goal from outside the box. Both teams continued to push and generate more good scoring opportunities throughout the second half, but in the end the defenses held strong, and the game finished all knotted.

“I think we did well to adjust to the attack,” said Sting Head Coach Melanie Thomas. “They were trying to play long balls in behind, and so we were trying to possess to go through the thirds.”

“Jadyn Jaeger, who has been a big staple for us in the back line, did well to command and communicate to her teammates. Another really good one was Banin Patterson, she had the goal and did well to move off the ball and create those chances,” said Thomas.

[+READ: West Team earns 5-1 win in ECNL Girls National Selection Game in Florida]

Michigan Hawks vs Racing Louisville Academy 1-1

Another game that finished honors even but featured some very exciting attacking play throughout the match took place between Michigan Hawks and Racing Louisville Academy at the 04/05 level.

Although both sides had many opportunities, it took until the 77th minute for Natalie Serban of Michigan Hawks to find the breakthrough goal to put her side up 1-0.

Racing Louisville had some excellent opportunities to level the match, including a free kick from just outside of the box in the closing stages of the game. Just when it felt like the tying goal was not coming today for Racing Louisville, Anna Gibson darted through the Hawks defense in the 87th minute and was able to slide one home to tie things up at 1-1, where they would stay the rest of the way.

“Really proud of the group,” said Racing Louisville Head Coach George Davis. “They’re taking in information and playing very organized. The heart and the passion are there and that’s the minimum we ask for.”

While Davis credited the effort of his entire team, a few players stood out that he gave extra recognition to after the game.

“Anna Gibson, our goal scorer, is a versatile player, playing right back or right wing. Sonja Djurasovic is really finding her way in the midfield and played some excellent passes. Lastly, our goalkeeper, Carrie Stevens, had a good performance today.”

Concorde Fire Platinum vs World Class FC 4-1

The 07s match between Concorde Fire Platinum and World Class FC got off to a fast start on Monday.

Concorde Fire seized the lead 11 minutes into the contest after already having a goal called back narrowly for offside just a few minutes prior.

The response came quickly from World Class FC on a free kick though. The initial shot was saved, but deflected off the crossbar, bouncing right in front where World Class was able to put home the rebound and tie the game at 1-1.

Led by Ashlyn Huie and Alessandra Washington on the offensive end, Concorde Fire tacked on three more goals along the way and was able to secure a 4-1 victory over World Class.

“Today we went back to our style of play, which is to keep the ball, move the ball, and a little more energy,” said Head Coach Garvin Quamina.

While Quamina noted the efforts of his offense and was pleased with their improved performance on the offensive side of the ball, he made sure to note the solid effort his defense put in as well.

“Kai Price, who is our leader in the back, scored a brilliant header yesterday. She keeps us structured in the back,” Quamina said.

Going into the last game on Tuesday, Quamina is looking for more of the same from his team to cap off a successful few days in Florida

“I want to pick up where we left off,” he said. “Score some goals and give up nothing tomorrow would be the ideal situation.”

FC Alliance vs Sporting Iowa 4-1

At the 06 level, FC Alliance and Sporting Iowa came into action on Monday each looking to make it two wins in two days in Florida.

FC Alliance got on the board first with two first half goals to go into the break with the 2-0 lead. Sporting Iowa battled back in the second half and cut the lead down to one with a goal of their own.

In the second half though, Abigail Witten stepped up in a major way, coming off the bench and scoring two goals to extend FC Alliance’s lead and secure them a victory in a tough test against Sporting Iowa.

“Today was gritty. We were tough,” said Head Coach Josh Gray. “Yesterday’s game was extremely difficult, and it had a physical toll on us today. We had to fight through a lot of sore legs and just did enough to get the win.”

Gray credited Witten for her performance after the game, but also cited the play of Reese Wilson as essential in getting the victory.

“Reese Wilson was the best player on the field today at center back. She headed everything away and she let nothing get through,” said Gray. “When we were tired, Abigail Witten subbed on and scored two late goals.”

Gray also emphasized the importance of finishing the week on a high note tomorrow.

“We want to be undefeated. We’ve won our first two games and tomorrow is a very good team again, so we’ve got to have some strong recovery.”