December 20, 2005 > Crush wins Sunset Tournament

by Mike deLanda

In one of the most dramatic games of the season, the Fremont Crush edged the Pleasanton Rage of Fire to capture the Girls U-12 championship in the First Sunset Tournament on the weekend of Dec. 3. After trailing most of the first half 2-0, Crush forward Sarah Kowalski scored in the closing seconds of the first half to cut Pleasanton's lead to 2-1. The Crush opened the second half by striking quickly with Kowalski scoring again to tie the game 2-2. Strong play of goalie Becca Jacobson and the defense led by Megan Ottoboni, Lupita Mora, Emma Johnston, Stephanie Lloyd, Rachel de Landa, and Monique Rodriguez, held Pleasanton scoreless for the remainder of the half.

After two scoreless overtime periods, the game was settled by penalty kicks with the Crush prevailing 3-2 on goals by Kylie Stoeppel, Lacey Cole and Sarah Kowalski. Goalie Emily Marden made several outstanding saves to help secure the victory.

Crush advanced to the championship game by beating San Ramon Stars 1-0 on Sammy Steadman second goal of the tournament. Others who had a strong tournament include forwards Namarta Dibra, Danica Cope and Gisela Mora.