10/21/12: Stampede strong in a five game weekend!

The Stampede played five close games over the weekend resulting in two wins, two ties and one loss.  The first was a league game with BOCA of Sacramento at the the Davis Legacy Soccer Complex, Friday Night Lights style.  Down 0-2 in the second half, Jordan Davis was able to knock in a ball  bobbled by the opposing keeper.  Davis then drilled in the equalizer from 25 yards late for a final score of 2-2.  Saturday and Sunday were dedicated to the annual OctoBOOfest tournament hosted by Sacramento United at Granite Park.  In their first match, the Stampede faced a San Juan Spirits team that at times seemed to be better prepared for American football than for the European version.  Despite the bruises, neither team was able to score and time ran out to produce the Stampede's second tie in just 18 hours.  The locals then met the ACC Mavericks Dynamite in the tournament's second game and their third in 24 hours.  Understandably fatigued, the Stampede could not catch their opponent this time.  Down 0-2, Anne Ayotte was able to clean up Yasmeen Dmeiri's long shot attempt with a close range goal to make it 1-2.  But the game would end there.  A good night's sleep and the fresh taste of defeat seemed to motivate the locals Sunday.  They met FC Elk Grove in the morning, the toughest team in their bracket and outplayed them with sound, elegant soccer.  Dmeiri drilled in the game's only goal on a free kick from 30 yards out.  The Stampede then beat American River Freedom to win the bronze, 1-0.  It was a fitting way to end the weekend, as Ayotte netted the final tally on a cross from Davis, Barcelona style.  Tough midfield and backfield defense from Emily Speakman, Grace Carlson and Sydney Moore kept the Stampede close all weekend long.