The Stampede showcased their dominant defensive and offensive prowess over the holiday weekend as they took first place in the Santa Cruz Breakers Memorial Day Shootout. Led by their defense, especially keepers McKenna Lutzker and Alex Hanna and backs Skye Shaffer, Sophia Karperos and Yasmeen Dmeiri, the locals allowed only one goal in four games while scoring 12. A true team tournament victory, Grace Barger, Sydney Moore, Emily Speakman and Grace Carlson solidified the impenetrable defensive barrier while adding their own spurts of offensive power. The Stampede kicked things off Saturday morning with a 3-0 shutout over Central Marin but, despite an onslaught of shots, goals didn't materialize until the last ten minutes when Lily Byrne scored two and Jordan Davis tallied one. The Stampede continued that afternoon with another shutout against Evergreen United. The first goal was a beautiful combo from Anne Ayotte to J. Davis to Vanessa Carrasco. J. Davis then set up forward Ainsley Carrol for the second. Allie Belafsky got the final tally as her right wing blast made it through several players and the keeper. Game 3 on Sunday morning featured three more goals as the locals faced the Alpine Strikers. J. Davis began the scoring on a through ball from Sophia Karperos. The Blah bounced back, converting a penalty to make it 1-1, but Yasmeen Dmeiri then powered in a free kick from 30 yards out. Carrasco made it 3-1 on an assist from Byrne. The Stampede continued their dominance in the finale against the San Jose Dynamo with yet another 3-0 shutout. Carrol struck first on an assist from J. Davis who in turn scored on an assist from Ayotte. Byrne ended the day by sending her corner kick unassisted into the net
Congratulations, team!
