Ohio Elite Seals Banner Day with Three Titles
Ohio Elite Soccer Academy had a banner day Sunday capturing OSYSA State Cup Championships in the girls U15, U17 and U18 age groups. It marked the second consecutive year that the club won 3 or more State Cup titles.
The U15 Ohio Elite ECNL team started the day beating Hammer FC 3-2 in overtime to capture their second consecutive title. After going down early they fought back to tie the game in a back and forth first half. Although Ohio Elite controlled much of the second half and missed several good chances the game remained 2-2 through regulation. Macy Hamblin sealed the victory with a goal in the first overtime.
The U18 Ohio Elite ECNL team faced a familiar foe in the final, OP Eagles ECNL. The game was the usual hard fought match between these two teams. OP Eagles ECNL got off to a fast start taking the lead early in the first half only to see Ohio Elite ECNL go up 2-1 on goals from Claire Falknor. OP Eagles ECNL then tied the game with 20 minutes remaining. Falknor sealed the victory eight minutes from time and completed her hat trick. The win is the third State Cup title and second consecutive for the team.
The U17 Ohio Elite ECNL team stormed into the final on a mission completely dominating Hillard FC on route to a 9-2 victory. The team was paced by Lana Bonekemper who scored 5 goals in the game. The title is the first for the team after narrowly missing out last year in penalties.
"I am very proud of our teams," said U15/U17 Head Coach, Tim Lesiak. "The conditions were difficult, but I think our experience playing in big games in the ECNL has really helped the team and players grow. That experience I think played a big factor today."
"It was a fun day to see so many of our players celebrating," said U18 Head Coach, Doug Bracken. "That is what makes this the most fun is seeing the players achieve success after a lot of hard work. I give them all a ton of credit for their efforts. These finals can often go either way. Today was our day."
