BOCA RATON, FL (August 26, 2008) – Schulz Academy U13 Girls booked their place in the Super Y-League North American Finals this past weekend after wins over Plantation Eagles and West Pines United. The U13 Girls posted a 13-1-0 record to win the Southeast Division by at least 6 clear points. This is the second straight year that Schulz Academy has qualified a girls’ team to the SYL North American Finals which will take place from November 20-25 in Tampa, the home of the Super Y-League organization’s headquarters.

On Friday, August 22nd, the U13 Girls travelled to Pine Island Park where they overcame a very gutsy Plantation Eagles team by a score of 1-0. Jacquelyn Kinni (’94) provided the game winner after she finished off a cross from Donish Cole (’95). Cheyenne Walker (’94) recorded her 8th shutout behind a Schulz defense made up of Taylor Mindlin (’95), Samantha Mendez (’95), Renee Hart (’95), and Laurie Scott (’95).

“The game was well played by both teams. Plantation played well defensively and had a few good counters. They had a good game plan coming in and they executed well. Our defense had to stay organized and we did well when faced with a few difficult situations. We looked good going forward and we created several chances. To her credit, their goalkeeper had a great game and made some big saves.” commented Academy Girls Director Gary Cole.

The win over Plantation Eagles was important as it forced Schulz’s next opponent, West Pines United, into a must-win scenario if they were to top Schulz for the Southeast title.

On Sunday, August 24th, the U13 Girls travelled to the new West Pines Soccer Park to face West Pines United. The scenario…Schulz needed a tie, West Pines needed to win. Schulz would strike first when Paulina Speckmaier (’94) took a through ball from Laurie Scott (’95) and shot low past the keeper. Then team captain, Elizabeth Caputo (’95), played a lofted ball behind the defense for Sidney Morales Parodie (’94) to run on to and score the game’s second goal, 2-0 at the half.

In the second half, defender Brianna Raaf (’95) combined well with her midfield before she found Donish Cole (’95) who scored on her third shot attempt in one sequence after blocks from the goalkeeper. Donish Cole (’95) then scored her second goal off a determined run as she dribbled, cutting in and out of four defenders before hitting a 15 yard strike. Kaitlyn Docherty (’95) found herself 1-on-1 with the keeper then smartly slipped the ball past the keeper for the games 5th and final goal. The shutout was number 9 for Cheyenne Walker (’94) and her defense made up of Renee Hart (’95), Samantha Mendez (’95), Taylor Mindlin (’95), and Brianna Raaf (’95).

Both weekend victories were the result of a total team effort that saw Jacquelyn Kinni (’94), Paulina Speckmaier (’94), Sidney Morales Parodie (’94), Donish Cole (’95, 2 goals), and Kaitlyn Docherty (’95) each scoring goals. Cheyenne Walker (’94) recorded shutouts number 8 and 9 on the season. Elizabeth Caputo (’95), Brianna Raaf (’95), and Kaitlyn Docherty (’95) each recorded assists. Outstanding midfield play came courtesy of Laurie Scott (’95) and Elizabeth Caputo (’95). Meanwhile the defensive line held strong throughout with Renee Hart (’95), Samantha Mendez (’95), Taylor Mindlin (’95), and Brianna Raaf (’95).

“Again we are very happy with the way this team has represented the Academy. There is no doubt in my mind that they will do well at Nationals. The girls all had fun and they were very enthusiastic when it came to down to the games. Most importantly, we were able to provide this additional bit of development for these very young but talented players through the Super Y-League.” said Gary Cole.

The U13 Girls were managed by Loren Walker and Maureen Mendez. The girls play their regular season soccer for several clubs including Parkland Predators, Renegades Soccer Club, Wellington Soccer Club, Hobe Sound Soccer Club, and Hillsborough County United. Congratulations to all the players, parents and coaches who made this season possible. We wish the U13 Girls the best of luck at the North American Finals.