This summer, Emily had the opportunity to play with Sporting's women's team. Sporting has two teams in the UWS, a national pro-am league that provides high level competition for high school and college players, as well as aspiring and former profession and international players. The league one team is made up of current and former D1 players (some of whom have played professionally) and USYNT member, while the league two team is made up of college players and some high school players. Emily was really worried about practicing and playing with them, but it has been great. She's learned a ton and been forced to test herself against some great players, both in practices and games.
In her first game with the league two team, she subbed on as a midfielder and scored the game tying goal, which was so exciting.
One of the coaches is also her club coach, which made the transition a little bit easier for her.
After that first game at midfield, she's only played defense. They play a completely different formation and it's taken some getting used to, but she has really started to excel at it.
The league one team is headed to the Final 4 in California. Although Emily was never good enough to roster with them, she was able to practice with them from time to time, as well as sit on the bench at their games, soaking up knowledge. It's been a great experience.
Filling water bottles at half time.
Final practice of the summer for the two teams.
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