As a result of reaching the 2010 semi-finals of the Regional Championships, the U16 Showcase team accepted an automatic bid to compete in the top league for the 2011 season. 16 teams from Virginia up through New England will compete this Spring for the title of Region 1 Premier League Champions. The girls travelled to Long Island, NY for the first two games, competing against the NJ State Champions (SDFC Lynx) and the Sub-regional league Champions from NY last year (HBFC Intense).
In the first game against Intense, Seacoast found themselves trailing at half-time 0-1. The game was very even, with Seacoast playing the better soccer. However the NY team were very direct, strong and physical. They also had the advantage of previously playing on grass. In the second half however, Seacoast took the game to the home team and a fantastic cross from Sammi Toorish was headed home by the Seacoast central defender Lilly Radack. Ten minutes later, Seacoast had Intense on the back foot and after lots of pressure, Lydia Simmons beat the keeper to the ball to slot home the winner. The final score finished 2-1 to Seacoast.
In the afternoon, the U16’s took on the NJ State Champs – Lynx. They had already beaten CFC, the CT State champions in the morning game. In the first half, a wonderful though ball from Michelle Tremblay saw Rachel Hill break the dead-lock with a first time chip over the advancing keeper. Seacoast held on to this 1-0 lead until half-time, although some desperate defending and strong goalkeeping kept them in front. It only took 20 seconds into the second half for Seacoast to extend their lead – again a through ball in behind the defenders from Megan Comeau was finished by Rachel Hill. A double for her. This was demoralizing for the Lynx and Seacoast took advantage. Further goals from Abby Short and Sammi Toorish finished the game off, leaving an emphatic 4-0 victory. This was a wonderful start to the Region 1 campaign.
This coming weekend, the team travels down to Marlborough MA, to play the Scorpions (MA) who were beaten 1-0 for the National Championships last year and CFC, the 2010 CT State Champions.