EDP Cup

Over Columbus Day weekend, Sporting took its top teams, including Emily's, to the EDP Cup in southern New Jersey.  This tournament gave the teams the opportunity to play against other top teams in eastern New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia.  Although we went into the tournament with no expectations, especially as three players were unable to make the trip, it turned out to be a great experience.  Emily's team won all four games, allowing just one goal, and won their bracket.  They played really great soccer and every single player rose to the occasion in every single game.  They've lost several games by one goal so far this fall so to win at the EDP Cup was a huge confidence booster for them.  The team chemistry was amazing and it was so much fun to watch them play all weekend.  In particular, Emily had a spectacular weekend.  She played outside defense almost the entire time and really shined.  We are so proud of her and her team!

Celebrating the game winning goal. 

PDA Dynamite was definitely the best team they played (perhaps ever) and somehow, they found a way to win.  It's sounds corny, but when they pulled out the victory, I had tears in my eyes.  They completely gelled as a team and never gave up, not for even one second.

Even a full-on hold from the other team couldn't stop Emily! 

Love this sequence of photos. 

She released the ball up the field just before the hip check. 

And another hip check.

Victory run.

This makes it all worthwhile.  Love this kid; love her coach; and love this team.  And to watch them come together and play their absolute best was just so special.

Love this team and this coach.