In a thrilling final game, the RMSA U-13 Girls, coached by Marc Pereira and assistant coach Dennis Dehm, won the 2009 Steamboat Mountain Tournament. The team reached the finals as the top seed in their division. They scored 10 goals and did not allow any goals prior to the championship game. The girls played flawlessly, and with great courage and determination. Their fitness and hard work proved to be a great asset, and it was clear that the team was well prepared to meet the challenge.
The final game was a real treat and a heart stopper! After trailing by two goals at half time, the girls put on their game faces and scored within a minute into the second half. The opposing team responded with a goal of their own to make it 3 to 1. But, the RMSA team would not allow the dream to slip away, and a second goal was scored at the 22-minute mark. At this point, the team was playing with great intensity. Then, came the equalizer goal with 4 minutes remaining in the half! The game ended in a 3-3 score in regulation time. Per tournament rules, the game went into a "golden goal" over-time period consisting of two 5-minute halves. However, the RMSA girls were determined to win, and continued to pressure the opposing team as they had done in the second half of the game. Their efforts resulted in a penalty kick awarded to the RMSA team. The opposing goalkeeper fouled the RMSA forward inside the penalty area as she clearly beat the keeper on the dribble. The penalty kick was executed flawlessly resulting in the winning goal. In the end, the powerful RMSA team won with a score of 4 to 3. A well deserved ending!
And, who could forget the tremendous support by the RMSA parents who cheered and encouraged the team. The sidelines were filled with RMSA parents and players from the U-12 Girls, U-15 Boys and the U-13 Girls teams who came to lend their support in a show of solidarity that motivated the players in a big way. The U-13 Girls Red team brought their "Go Cougars" banner which was displayed and paraded together with the RMSA flag throughout the entire game. This show of unity and loyalty is one of the things that makes the RMSA a great place to be. What a show!
We thank the U-13 Girls for making this tournament an experience that will stay forever in our minds and our hearts. In addition, a big thank you goes to coach Marc who can now claim a second Steamboat tournament title with two different teams.
Go Cougars!
