THE CRU JAGUARS HAVE DONE IT!  This past weekend up in New Hampshire, the U-14 CRU Jaguars took the Annual Londonderry Labor Day Tournament by storm, seizing first place in an intense championship game.

           

It all started with their first game on Saturday versus the Berkshire Classics.  It was scoreless until Laurel Ayvazian netted a beautiful goal in the second half.  That was all the Jaguars needed, and they took the opener as a 1-0 win.

           

Laurel’s goal turned out to be the only exception in a dry spell of scoring for her team— during regulation time of the next three games, the Jaguars did not score a single goal.  Yet they pulled off another 0-0 tie in the afternoon game on Saturday against Manchester United, the team that they ended up facing up in the Final the next day. 

 

On Sunday, the day had barely begun by the time CRU had their playoff fate decided in yet another 0-0 turnout in the NSGA Nashua game.  Although a win could’ve been possible, the tie turned out to be enough, as their 5 points got the girls to the championship game!

 

Going into the game, the Jaguars were hungry for a victory, and they were playing the Manchester United team from the day before.  A frustrating, scoreless first half only pushed the team harder during the second half.  But by the end of regulation time, the score was still 0-0.  Two 5 minute overtime periods past by during a constant battle, but STILL neither team could put one in the net!  That brought it down to a PK shootout.

           

The Jaguars stood there linking hands, hoping against hope that the penalty kicks would turn out in their favor.  CRU’s new goalie, Jess Bartlett, and her shooting teammates gave it their all… first Jess made two spectacular saves, with a sweet goal by Michelle Coburn in between. Laurel Ayvazian’s shot was saved and then Manchester’s next shot went in.  A beautiful goal by Alyssa Finnegan and a crossbar save for Jess the goalie brought it down to one shot.  It would be taken by the goalie herself, who’d gotten us this far.  She SCORED, and that was it!!!  The team ran together in bliss— they were the champions!  It was the best possible way to win an excellent weekend of fun, an awesome tournament, and some great soccer.  GO U-14 CRU JAGUARS!     

 

~ Sarah Kacevich ~