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(May 6, 2012 - Redmond, WA) The Crossfire Premier B97 Storkson team secured their first Challenge Cup State Championship title today by winning 3 - 1 over River City Soccer Club B97 Seely. During their title run, Crossfire went 2-0-1 in Pool Play giving up only one goal and scoring 7 goals. During the round of 16 Crossfire defeated Harbor Premier Green 4 - 0 to advance onto the Challenge Cup Quarter Finals against Whatcom Rangers FC B97 Blue where they again won 1 - 0 to advance to Challenge Cup Championship weekend and the state Semi-Finals for the 3rd time in 4 years.
The Challenge Cup Semi-Finals on Saturday, May 5th, saw Crossfire defeat their toughest opponent yet - Seattle United B97 Tango in a thrilling 2 - 1 game that would see Crossfire come from 1 - 0 down. With the Goal of the state tournament turned in by Connor Alhquist, a thrilling bicycle kick in the 35th minute of the first half, Crossfire would tie the game and leverage its momentum to begin play in the second half. Second half action saw Forward George Lymberis score the game-winning goal at the 50th minute with a brilliant centering cross from Alexander Hill only to be slotted home in chilling fashion. Sensing victory, Crossfire finished the game off with unrelenting defense as they prevented Seattle United from further scoring attempts and secured their first trip to the Challenge Cup State Finals.
Finals action saw Crossfire matched against a strong and imposing River City team who were riding a high from their Semi-Finals victory over Black Hills FC. Crossfire took the early lead 1 - 0 when Right Winger Eric Feykerud, sent a pinpointed centering cross deep into River City penalty box only to be guided home for the score by masterful Crossfire Mid-Fielder Kris DeLeon. Feeling the title was within reach Crossfire continued their charge at the River City goal. Forward George Lymberis scored on lightening bolt of a shot from 20 yards left center of the River City goal to increase Crossfire’s lead to 2 - 0 at the half.
River City would pull to within 1 score 10 minutes into the second half when a free kick was granted just outside the Crossfire penalty box. Crossfire sensing a River City attempt at a come back dialed up their defensive prowess and shutdown further River City attacks through the 69th minute of the game. Using River City’s aggressive stance Crossfire saw opportunity come their way when Mid-Fielder Kris DeLeon found his way deep into the River City box slotting home the final goal of the match to secure the Crossfire victory and their first Challenge Cup State Championship title.
All in all through the entire Challenge Cup State Championship title run, Crossfire scored 16 goals for with 3 goals against. Crossfire’s title run was remarkable in many ways and a fitting end to their DREAM SEASON...
Crossfire will now advance on to US Youth Soccer President’s Cup Regional tournament in Denver Colorado as State Champions where they will now play for the Region IV President’s Cup Championship and spot in US Youth Soccer President’s Cup National Championship. Tournament play begins June 12th with finals ending on June 17th.
Go CROSSFIRE!!!!!
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