Storm go 8-1 in spring season
MORGAN HILL – The Storm U9 Girls soccer team, known almost as much for their distinctive lime green uniforms as they are for their amazing soccer skills, finished their spring season with an 8-1 record, outscoring their opposition 23-2.
“Our team speed and possession play is a big key to our success,” Coach Vic Riolo said.
Playing against the best under-9 competition between Burlingame and Watsonville, the Storm used their top flight defense and goal-keeping to post seven shutouts in nine spring games.
The Storm defense was led by keeper Rebekah Inouye and fullbacks Tula Urban, Sydney Barker and Paige Menage. The defensive quartet was also key contributors to the offense with their strong passing and support on the attack.
The Storm’s strong midfield play was another key to success, as Kaylana Mah, Taylor Slattery, Amber Thomas and Janessa Garcia controlled play and kept the Storm on the attack throughout the season.
The bulk of the scoring came from the Storm’s talented group of forwards, Colby Carson, Samantha Riolo, Hailey Hamilton and Jada Williams.
As the Storm prepares to move up to the under-10 division this fall, they can look back on an amazing under-9 year during which they won two league championships, one indoor championship and posted an overall record of 44-3-3.
Coach Kelvin Thomas pointed out that the Storm had been “adopted” by the Live Oak girls varsity soccer team this past year.
“Our girls love working with the Live Oak girls,” Thomas said. “Having big sisters from the CCS Champions working with our girls means so much to our team, and has been a big part of our success.”
