FURY PUNCH TICKET TO STATE CUP QUARTERFINALS

(Ripon) West Coast Fury U-12 girls advanced to the Nor Cal State Cup Quarterfinals this past weekend with a pair of victories. The Region 3/4 undefeated Nor Cal league champions are unbeaten in 21 of their last 22 games.

Fury started the weekend off with a 4-0 decision over Barcelona Bay Area. Gracie Alfonzo got the scoring started in the first minute of play off a set-piece corner kick served by Bella Romero. Fury extended their lead to 2-o when Romero blazed down the right sideline and whipped a cross into the 6-yard box that Kourtney Kessler volleyed to the back-of-the-net. West Coast extended their lead to 3-0 before halftime when Alyssa Garza fed Kelena Brongiel with a pass and the forward darted the ball past the Barcelona goalkeeper.

Early in the second half, Fury jumped out to a 4-0 lead when Brongiel chipped a beautifully weighted pass to the feet of Trinity Sandridge who used perfect touch to receive the ball and calmly place it in the net with a right footed shot. West Coast shut down Barcelona for the remaining 30 minutes to set themselves up for a chance to reach the quarterfinals the followin day.

Sunday, Fury met their area rivals Mustang Fusion. West Coast was looking to beat Mustang for the 3rd time this season with the winner advancing to the next round. Trinity Sandridge netted the lone goal of the game off an assist from Kelena Brongiel. Fury Goalie Kelsey Hoopes made 3 tremendous saves during the match to help preserve the victory.

After the game, Fury coach Ray Canevari praised his entire team. “I’m so thrilled for these kids! They’re the hardest working group I’ve ever been around and I love coaching them.” Coach Canevari added, “Our back 3 of Gracie Alfonzo, Celina Garcia and Angie Alfonzo are flat the best 3 defenders in the state and Brongiel was active all over the field today; Kelena always steps up in the big games. Bella Romero is an absolute headache for opposing teams because of how dangerous she is going forward, but our entire team worked their socks off!”

Up next is a January 24th State Cup quarterfinal final matchup in Ripon.