The first game of the tournament was a battle with THUSC Platinum. After fighting endless traffic to just get to the game, a fun and exciting game ensued. The Eclipse controlled the game for the most part, with Platinum mounting a few good runs in the first half. The defense held strong, and the offense had trouble finding the net in the swarm of black clad players. The half ended in a 0-0 tie. The second half saw more of the same. The Platinum tried to pressure the Eclipse defense, but was shut down at every turn. The Eclipse mounted a good attack, with constant pressure on the Platinum defense. After seeing a couple good opportunities pass them by, we finally hammered home the game winner with thirty seconds left in regulation. Kaitlyn was awarded the game-winning goal, just in the nick of time.
Saturday began with a 1:00pm game in the sweltering heat. The girls battled against the elements and a determined SSC Synergy team. The Eclipse attacked early and often. By halftime, the outcome was already a given. In a torrid first half, Hannah O. drove home two scorching goals on well placed long shots. Hannah D. added to the score with a gritty shot inside. Olivia closed out the scoring for the half with a nice clean shot past the shell shocked keeper. In the second half, the Eclipse were content to work on ball movement, crisp passing, and control. No more points were scored, nor needed, and the second straight shutout was preserved.
The late game for the Eclipse was even hotter. At least this field had green grass instead of brown grass and hard dirt. Madison P. will attest to the fact that the grass at Cook Park is softer than the dirt at Hidden Creek Polo fields. This game was a battle of wills with the ESUFC Coventry. A physical battle that saw several fouls, was clearly dominated by the Eclipse. Many close calls were had, as the first half ended in a 0-0 tie. The second half had more of the same as the Eclipse took many shots on goal, but could not find the back of the net. The Coventry mounted a valiant charge in the second half, but a phenomenal tip over the goal by Lexi prevented the score. Late in the half, Kaitlyn was successful in punching in the game winner. After another five minutes of nervous parents and coaches, the game ended in a 1-0 victory. It was the third consecutive shutout for the Eclipse.
In Sunday's action, the Eclipse drew the early game against the other undefeated team in their bracket, the LOSC Harambee. A fast paced first half found the hosts from Lake Oswego with a 1-0 lead. The Harambee had controlled the ball for the better part of the half and were definitely controlling the pace of the game. Early in the second half, the Harambee punched in another goal after a beautiful cross to a waiting attacker on the far post. In a marvelous display of heart and character, the Eclipse finally began to assert their ball control and controlled the game for the last ten minutes. A late goal by Maddie L. closed the gap, but proved to be too little, too late. The Eclipse fell 2-1, and missed out on the finals by a single goal.
A tournament record of 3-1-0, with 7 goals for and 2 against was unfortunately not good enough to land the Eclipse in the finals. A great showing by our young team was very encouraging. A scary moment came in the Sunday game when Alexis was carted off the field on an ambulance stretcher. The fear of a serious knee injury seems to have faded. It now appears to be a knee sprain, and she will see a sports doctor this week. We wish her the best.
Great job, Eclipse.
