Braddock Road "Rage" (Get It?) Takes Honors at 4v4 Tournament

U11 Girls from Two All Star Teams Combine for Second Trophies in One Week

June 25 -- Pulling together six girls from the two highly successful FPYC Tournament teams coached by Fred Welther and Tom Mastal, who had each won Finalist honors in that tournament just a week earlier, Coach Jim Clark pulled off a stunning win in the innaugural "Fantastic 4" tournament put together by the BRYC Travel Soccer program, played at Robinson High School this weekend. Playing three mini-games in rapid succession, with the two best of six teams in the division to meet in the finals, the BRYC girls showed their stuff again.

A U8 Boys team coached by Erik Hoffman and Carl Laping, (pictured left) and a U10 Girls team coached by Siobhan Starrs, also competed in the tournament. For all of the coaches and their players, it was a unique and enjoyable experience with which to end the spring season.

For a compete description of the Rage’s thrilling road to the championship (written by a totally impartial and objective coach!) click "Continue" below.

June 25 -- Pulling together six girls from the two highly successful FPYC Tournament teams coached by Fred Welther and Tom Mastal, who had each won Finalist Honors just last Sunday in that tournament, Coach Jim Clark pulled off a stunning win in the innaugural "Fantastic 4" tournament put together by the BRYC Travel Soccer program, played at Robinson High School this weekend. Playing three mini-games in rapid succession, with the two best of six teain the division to meet in the finals, the BRYC girls showed their stuff again.

The first game was tough as the girls had to adjust to the 4v4 format after just one practice. Neither team scored in the first half but the Rage turned up the pressure in the second, taking the lead on a goal by Lynn V. It was all they needed for their first win.

The second game, against Loudoun, was much tougher. Both teams had many chances to score, but were tied 0-0 at halftime. Loudoun scored just thirty seconds into the second half and immediately switched to a defensive style of play. The Rage girls would have none of it, countering with an offensive flurry that pinned Loudoun on their heels, but were still unable to score until Jenna H. found the back of the net with just four seconds left in the match, for a final score of 1-1.

The third game pitted the Rage against a VSA team that was ready to play. Megan W. scored on a penalty shot from midfield (4v4 play has some interesting rules!) to open the scoring. The teams then exchanged goals until the end. Jenna provided the game winner with about two minutes left to take home the 3-2 win.

By virtue of their 2-0-1 record, BRYC Rage was tied for first in their division and earned a spot in the championship match against the same Loudoun team who they tied earlier in the morning. Megan scored on the opening kickoff from midfield. Loudoun countered with a goal just thirty seconds later, tying the game 1-1. Loudoun pressed hard, taking numerous shots on goal from distance. However, Kylie C. continued to block shots and dispossess Loudoun any time they came close to scoring, leading to a 1-1 draw at half time. In the second half BRYC turned up the pressure, keeping much of the play in the opponent’s end. Constant pressure from Claire K. up the middle, and crossing routes by Bella R. led to another goal by Megan five minutes into the second half. The girls continued a relentless attack that proved too much for their opponent. Jenna shot a rocket from midfield with about two minutes left in the game, giving the girls a two goal lead which held up for a 3-1 victory for the Rage

Here are a few photos from the games, and an appearance by D.C. United midfielder Stephen King who autographed jerseys and posed for a few pictures with the Rage and their coach.