5/13/12: Stampede Take 3rd at Super Clásico Spring Tourney

Despite a slow start in last weekend's Mothers' Day soccer fest out at the complex, the Stampede were able to finish third after a tie, a loss and two wins.  Matched up against the Eureka Shamrocks of Granite Bay in Game 1, the Stampede could do no better than a 0-0 stalemate despite the barrage of shots generated throughout the match.  In Game 2 they faced the Ajax of Modesto but could not find their way past this powerhouse, giving up the loss 3-0.  Sunday started on a more positive note as the locals blasted the San Juan Spirits white team 8-0.  Goals came from Lily Byrne (2), Anne Ayotte (3), Jordan Davis (2) and Grace Barger (1).  In the 3rd place final, the Stampede were matched up against the San Juan Spirits blue team and played solidly to capture the bronze.  The game featured goals from Jordan Davis on an assist from Byrne, a reciprocal goal from Byrne on an assist from Davis, and another from Ayotte from beyond the 18. The Stampede defense once again weighed in heavily with strong work from Yasmeen Dmeiri, Sophia Karperos, Skye Schaffer, Grace Carlson, Sydney Moore and keepers McKenna Lutzker and Alex Hanna.

5/6/12: Stampede dominate in Manteca

The locals showed their dominance last Sunday in Manteca as they won all three games at Norcal's Playdate #3.  Game 1 was a 7-0 rout against the Fair Oaks Freedom. Kaitlin McElhern opened the scoring with a left-footed blast.  Lily Byrne followed with two more goals, one a "dribble-drive to the net" and another on a quick tap-in after a goalkeeping error.  Jordan Davis added the third goal on yet another lapse by the Fair Oaks keeper.  After the half, Yasmeen Dmeiri made it 5-0 and Adeline Umphress netted the last two on assists from Dmeiri and Sophia Karperos.  In Game 2, the Stampede edged FC Elk Grove 2-1.  Surprised by an early goal, the Stampede's Byrne threaded through the Elk grove side on the ensuing kickoff to tie the game 1-1.  Jordan Davis then put the locals up for good with a goal off a perfect pass from Karperos.  In a very physical second half, strong defense from keepers McKenna Lutzker and Alex Hanna, and defenders Dmeiri, Karperos, Emily Speakman, Skye Schaffer and Grace Carlson secured the win.  Physical play continued in Game 3 vs. the GSC Gryphon Red but Davis prevailed in the 3-1 contest.  Byrne set up Anne Ayotte for the first goal from the 18 after which Ayotte returned the favor to Byrne for the match's second goal.  Ayotte netted the final goal at close range after weaving past several defenders inside the goal box.

Strong work, Stampede!