Rage U13B Team advances to Final Four

 “Why not us?”  That was the question posed to the Rage U13B team in early December as the girls began post-season training for the CYSA Association Cup.  Pointing out that no Rage team has made it to the finals since the 1999 Association Cup inception, coach Dan Copenhagen challenged the team to consider the possibility of success and use it as motivation. It seems they took him seriously.

After advancing from group play to the round of sixteen earlier this month, the Rage U13B team notched two victories this past weekend to advance to the Association Cup semi-finals.  Both matches were won in come-from-behind fashion, delivering immense drama for the parents and fans cheering from the sidelines.  Saturday’s 3-2 win over a skilled De Anza Freedom team was led by Sara Medor’s two second half goals, a first half goal from Lissi Knell, and solid midfield play from Kennedy Poplawski, Kasey Jensen and Sasha Greenlee. 

Sunday’s quarterfinals match brought the talented Pleasanton U13-A team, a familiar competitor and a testament to the depth of talent inthe Rage girls’ program at this age level.  Following asecond half corner-kick goal by Brooke Campbell to knot the score at 1-1, Lissi Knell connected on a deadly strike from the top of the box to put the team ahead with less than six minutes to play.  The defense held once again to close out the victory at 2-1, with strong efforts coming from Aubry Wolff, Nicole Danner, Kelly Briggs and Kylie Zieker across the back line.  Goal keepers Katie Bindert and Kasey Jensen have combined to hold opponents to an average of only one goal per game throughout the tournament.

On February 2 at 4:00 the U13-B team heads to the Danville Soccer Complex to face the Capital Valley Rush Frenzy of Northern Sacramento.  The winner advances to the finals on Super Bowl Sunday,  February 3 at 1:30.