The Empire GU12 Red team finished their season in dramatic style by winning their Division at the Brockport International Soccer Festival.  The road to the championship wasn’t an easy one, but the team finished with a perfect 4-0 record.  The final two games were played against a very aggressive Greece Eclipse team.  In the morning game, Greece scored first and held a 1-0 lead at the half.  Coach Levine changed up the formation in the second half, and the change resulted in two goals and a dramatic come-from-behind victory.

After only short rest, the same two teams took the field again in the championship game.  In the early stages, the Eclipse seemed determined to make up for the morning’s loss.  Both teams played very well, but once again, it was the Eclipse that scored first on a direct kick mid way through the first half.  Coach Levine made another formation change in the second half and the Empire girls pushed hard to get a goal to tie the score.  But, the Eclipse didn’t fold.  They handled the pressure, and mounted several attacks of their own, and when they scored a second goal, it looked like they had the game in hand.

But, Coach Levine’s "cardiac kids" didn’t panic, and they never gave up.  They doubled their effort and attacked the Eclipse defense with all the energy they had left.  Their hard work paid off, and with about 5 minutes left in the game, they finally cracked the Eclipse defense and scored!  The goal energized the team (and the fans!) and they continued to press the attack.  There were several scoring opportunities for both teams in the final minutes, but the Empire girls weren’t going to be denied.  A dramatic goal in the final minute of regulation tied the score and sent the game into extra time!

Two six minute overtime periods failed to produce a goal by either team, so the Championship would be decided by penalty kicks.  The Empire girls were confident and converted on their first three attempts.  The Eclipse girls weren’t as fortunate ... a miss on their first attempt, and two saves by Empire’s GK sealed the victory and the championship.

The victory at the Brockport tournament was a fantastic finish for the GU12 Red team.  The girls played great soccer and never lost confidence in themselves, and provided some great memories for the many fans who support the team all season long. 

Congratulations girls ... we’re all very proud of you!