Under 18 Girls

Blue Thunder

Manager:  Jennifer Benninger

June 2006:

 THUNDER MAKES NOISE – WIN STATE TITLE

  On Sunday, June 4, 2006, the Capital United U17 Blue Thunder team became the first US Club Soccer -
   New York State Champions.  The event was hosted by Iona College and is a true championship to designate
   the best club in the state.  Many states top girls clubs compete in these events nationwide.

    The team played the semi-final game against the Eastchester Patriots ‘88 team, 6 – 1, earlier in the day to lift
    them into the finals.  The Eastchester Patriots ’89 team faced Mattituk Strikers in their semi-final game and
    garnered a 2 – 0 victory to advance against the Thunder.

    Both teams came out hard and battled for 90 minutes, each team only scoring 1 goal each.  At the end of
    regulation, the girls were forced to play two additional ten minutes to find a victor.  With no additional
    scoring, the game was decided 5 – 4 by penalty kicks, with Blue Thunder victorious.

    As a result of being a State Champion, invited to represent New York in the U – 15 Division at the US
    Club Soccer Regional Event in New Jersey, June 24 – 27, 2006.  This event brings together the region’s
    top clubs for four days of competition. 

    Scouts from across the country will observe and identify players for inclusion in the Regional ID Training
    Camps as they compete on their own club teams.  The training camps seek to identify and develop the
    country’s best players for inclusion in US Soccer’s youth national team programs.  Scouts were present at the  
    State Championships, and will be present to further  evaluate players at the Regionals and Nationals, as well as
    matches and tournaments staged throughout the summer.    

    Just as importantly, the US Club Soccer promoters anticipate hundreds of college coaches attending this
    event.  College coaches realize this is a chance to see many talented players and are looking forward to
    watching some great soccer and potential recruits.

    If the team fares well in the tournament and wins the Regional Championship, they will be invited to a
    National Championship in Greensboro, North Carolina, July 21 – 24, 2006.