San Diego Surf takes the U13 ECNL National Title 🏆
In the youngest age group at the ECNL Girls National Finals, two So Cal squads in Slammers FC HB Køge battled San Diego Surf for the U13 title.
In the first half, the two sides each had their own scoring chances, with Slammers FC HB Køge earning the majority of opportunities in the first half. But late in the first frame, it was San Diego Surf who got on the board first. A cross from the left side made its way into the box, and the Slammers goalkeeper came out to challenge the pass, but the ball still found its way to a Surf attacker. With a wide-open net, Surf made sure they did not miss, taking a 1-0 lead into halftime.
That score held until midway through the second half, when Surf found the back of the net once again. Forcing a turnover near the center circle, Surf immediately sent a counterattack forward. Kensington McGrath raced onto the throughball with plenty of open field ahead of them, and slipped a shot past the goalkeeper to make it a 2-0 game.
With 10 minutes remaining, Slammers FC HB Køge started their comeback attempt with a beautiful strike just outside of the box. Slammers FC HB Køge put a pass into the box, but Surf attempted to clear it. After a mishit, Slammers corralled the loose ball and launched a volley over the goalkeeper’s head to cut the score to 2-1.
However, less than a minute later, McGrath added her second of the game to restore Surf’s two-goal lead. McGrath brought the ball into the box and, fighting off multiple defenders, put a shot on net. Her attempt was blocked, but she grabbed the ball again and with a shot against the grain, found the open net to make it a 3-1 game.
For the final nine minutes, San Diego Surf locked down their defense and on the final whistle, earned the clubs’ second-consecutive U13 national championship.
