The Stampede showcased their impressive offensive and defensive mastery last weekend as they made the finals of the United Cup held in San Juan Capistrano. Allowing only four regular goals in six matches, defenders Yasmeen Dmeiri, Grace Carlson, Grace Barger, Leah Eccles, Allie Belafsky and Skye Shaffer suffocated opposing offenses with constant hustle, intelligent ball movement and composure. Keeper McKenna Lutzker came up big in every game, making hard saves and distributing the ball to set up counterattacks. Defending midfielders Lindsey Vernau and Sydney Moore added further support while controlling play across the middle. Anne Ayotte provided solid midfield control all weekend while expertly distributing the ball to create chances.
Game 1 ended in a draw after San Diego's Arsenal FC found an equalizer to Dmeiri's 30 yard goal off a free kick. But the locals came roaring back that afternoon in Game 2 as they walloped host United FC 7-0. Ayotte started things off with a blast from 25. Lily Byrne then found Jordan Davis at the six to make it 2-0. Ainsley Carroll added two more, first after a creative cutback from the left side and then assisted by Dmeiri in the box, making it 4-0. Byrne found Sophie Karperos at the spot for goal number 5 and then Davis cleaned up Karperos' next attempt as it ricocheted off the keeper at the six. The game's final goal was a beautiful series of one-touch passes from Julyana Lara to Vernau to Byrne inside the 18. The final qualifying round game proved tougher as the locals got by the San Diego Rebels 5-3 in a see-saw battle. Byrne scored first on a penalty after being tripped up in the box and another from deep in the right corner, assisted by Carroll. J. Davis added two herself, one as a result of an impressive run down the left side from Niya Allen who got by three defenders to find Davis at the six. Carroll provided an additional tally, assisted by Ayotte.
The Stampede breezed through the quarter- and semi-finals, first beating Downey FC 3-0 and then the Slammers FC 2-0. Davis tallied three of the goals, one on an impressive header, with an assist by Lara. Dmeiri added one on a penalty and Karperos one-touched in a third off a left-footed cross by Carroll.
The championship game matched the Stampede against top ranked Anaheim Surf. But when regulation and overtime play ended a 0-0 draw, the penalty kick shootout went to the opponents, 4-2 (Davis, Vernau). Despite the heartbreaking loss, it was an incredible performance by the locals.
