6/22/13: Stampede make semis in playoffs

The Stampede made it to the semi-final in the US Club Regional Playoffs held at Granite Park in Sacramento.  Game 1 matched the locals against long-time rival Modesto Ajax.  Despite an early Ajax goal on a free kick, the Stampede came right back as Jordan Davis tapped in Anne Ayotte's corner at close range making it 1-1.  The Ajax went up 2-1 in the second half on a 30-yard blast, but in the final minutes Davis set up Lily Byrne who beat a defender for the equalizer, ending the game 2-2.  In stark contrast to the morning's even contest, the afternoon opponent was no match for the locals as they beat the Bay Oaks Bombers 7-0. Davis got the first tally on an assist from Byrne, and then Grace Barger set up consecutive goals by the streaking Alex Hanna, making it 3-0.  Sydney Moore continued the damage as she scored from outside the 18.  Vanessa Carrazco joined the fun as she poked in another ball inside the six.  Skye Shaffer got the last two goals. The first came after she weaved past several defenders from midfield to the box and finished with a blast into the far corner.  The last was on a dummy header by Barger which left Shaffer open in from of the goal to complete the 7-0 rout.  The Stampede faced the physical Juventus Ragazze Sunday morning but could not find a way to score. Despite very tough defense by Emily Speakman, Grace Carlson and Yasmeen Dmeiri, the locals ended the tournament with a 2-0 loss.

6/8/13: Close but no cigar in cross regionals

The Stampede met the formidable De Anza Force in the NorCal Cross Regional finals held at the DL Soccer Complex.  Despite an early goal by Jordan Davis on an assist from Grace Barger, the Force came back strong to score three straight, making it 3-1 at the half. In true Stampede fashion, however, the locals were able to even the contest on two set pieces.  The first was a Beckham-like blast from 20 by Yasmeen Dmeiri and the second came on a 30-yard free kick from Lindsey Vernau.  Then, on a questionable call from the referee in overtime, De Anza was awarded and converted a final free kick in overtime sending the Stampede home early.

6/1/13: Stampede finish spring league strong, beating Loomis 1-0

The Stampede beat Loomis 1-0 as Grace Barger knocked in the final goal of the regular spring season.