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.