GA Champions Cup U15 Final: City SC Rejoice

GA Champions Cup U15 Final: City SC Rejoice
by Victor Olorunfemi
March 13, 2024
Players featured in this article:
F | City SC
Sadie Lang |  2027
MF | City SC San Diego
GK | City SC
MF | Weston FC
Tylee Price |  2027
D | City SC
MF | Weston FC
D | City SC
MF | Weston FC

BRADENTON, Fla. -- In a battle of contrasting styles, a direct and physical City SC side defeated a technical and possession-based Florida United team to win the U15 Champions Cup trophy. After conceding the equalizer with one of the last kicks of regulation, the California side made amends with an early overtime winner.

From the get-go, the game gave many fascinating battles as the dynamic Isabella Ortiz of Florida United was often fouled and met with double teams to stifle her creativity. And on the wing, the shifty Alana Yasuda clashed with City SC right back Tylee Price, a dominant 1-v-1 defender and ball winner. And when Ortiz broke through for a look at goal, Antanina Hinchman was often there to make an outstanding save.

Those battles canceled out as the teams headed into halftime 0-0, with Florida United looking likely to break the deadlock. As synonymous with soccer, there is no predicting what will happen next, and Analiese Humphreys proved that with an early second-half opener for City SC. The speedy winger broke through on goal following a clearance from team captain Sadie Lang. It marked the early signs of an impressive halftime adjustment from City SC coach Aaron Jaffe as the team engaged with the Florida United attack higher up the pitch, denying a talented unit the time and space to string together passes and beat the defense.

The goal also breathed new life into captain Brinley Walsh, who shined bright as a combative center-back with countless blocks and defensive interceptions to protect the lead. And when Florida United did land a shot on target, increasingly from long range, second-half goalkeeping substitute Chloe Martel was there to make the stop.

Most of the game continued in that pattern, with a few yellow cards sprinkled on top due to some frustration from United and physical play from City SC. But when it looked like the 1-0 score would hold, with a minute remaining in regulation, Avery Seyler curled in a right-footed corner directly in goal for the equalizer.

As Florida United gathered around in mass celebration, City SC regrouped, and they would get the last say in overtime as Misha Stearman showed elite composure to bring a loose ball out of the air and place her effort past the keeper for the moment of a lifetime.

MVP: Brinley Walsh, City SC

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