LAFC's GU12 Wins its Third Summer Tournament August 28, 2007
Teddy Chronopoulos' LAFC GU12 won its third tournament of the summer when it defeated South Bay Force to win the NHB Cup in Huntington Beach.
In pool play, LAFC breezed to 7-0 and 3-0 victories on the strength of a hat trick by Evan Gancedo, and multiple goals by Whitney White and Briana Albarian. In the semi-finals, an injury to Dana Budzyn left LAFC facing Glendora Red with only 11 players. Glendora Red scored first in the opening minutes, and LAFC equalized on a goal by Nicole Ragusa. After ending regulation in a 1-1 tie, LAFC pressed Glendora over two overtime periods but were unable to score the decider. In penalty kicks, Ellie Hannan saved two shots, and Lauren Kean caused an LAFC celebration when her penalty shot hit the mark on the twelfth penalty taken. Two hours later, and after having already played 80 minutes against Glendora Red, LAFC's 11 players played in the finals against South Bay Force, a future Silver West league challenger. Nicole and Natalie Ragusa scored a family hat trick in the final to lead LAFC to a 3-1 victory.
The defense, anchored by makeshift sweeper Micaela Snashall, fullbacks Annemarie Peacock and Lauren Kean, and stopper Taline Albarian, played valiantly to stifle Force's repeated advances on a fatigued LAFC side, and created opportunities for the midfield, led by Whitney White, Briana Albarian and Charissa Huntzinger, to feed the front line on counterattacks.
The tournament marked the successful coaching debut of assistant coach Makenzie Pedrotti in the 7-0 victory over Sereno Blue of Arizona.
