VYS Phoenix '99 Off To A Strong Start

Vienna Youth Soccer Phoenix '99 U16 Girls soccer team got off to a solid start at the US Club Soccer National Premier League Finals in Aurora, CO, defeating ISC Gunners G99A from Washington state, 3-1.   Phoenix controlled possession and tempo early, scoring in the 9th minute by Whitney Wiley off a pass from Tess Mahon-Kuzin.  The girls continued to press forward, putting pressure on the ISC Gunner defense.  They were rewarded six minutes later when Rachel Jackson beat the keeper and placed the ball in the back of the net.  Phoenix up 2-0 at the 15 minute mark. 

ISC started to pick up the tempo, pressing the Phoenix defense.  Their efforts were rewarded in the 27th minute when finished a deflected ball into the VYS goal to narrow the margin 2-1.  The high altitude began to show on both teams as they pressed back on forth, with Phoenix gaining the edge in possession.  The half ended, giving both teams a needed breather.

Phoenix came out strong in the second half, controlling the tempo.  Five minutes after the start whistle, Wiley found Corinne Polk-Trauman who connected on a wide angle shot that beat the defense and keeper.  VYS increased their lead to 3-1.  The Phoenix defense continued to thwart the Gunners attempts to get back in the game, denying them good opportunities to score.  Meanwhile, the Phoenix offense kept putting pressure on the Gunners defense, narrowly missing several opportunities.  Both teams battled back and forth until the final whistle. 

Next up for VYS Phoenix '99 is highly rated FC Copa Academy G99Milan from New Jersey.  FC Copa tied NM Rush '00G from New Mexico earlier today, 1-1.  Kickoff will be Friday at 1:00 PM EDT.  The final game of group play is Saturday against NM Rush.  All games can be followed on Twitter @V