Herndon United picked up the U15 season right where they left off at U14, winning both of their preseason tournaments.  The team competed in the top U19 bracket of the Dulles National Tournament, hosted by Herndon Youth Soccer August 23-24.  The girls followed up the next week over Labor Day in the top bracket of the OBGC Capital Cup.

 

The U19 bracket of the Dulles Tournament was an all Herndon group, and United got off to a strong start versus familiar faces versus the Herndon Chaos, another Total Futbol team, in the first game.  United was persistent in the attack and notched two goals while keeping the shutout on the defensive end.  The second game of the day was versus the U16 Pegasus.  The team’s attack clicked into another gear and scored 3 times while conceding once for a comfortable win.  Torrential rain hit the tournament later in the afternoon and shut down the complex where United were playing, but their 2 wins coupled with the other results in the group had already clinched the title for the girls.

 

Labor Day weekend was next and the group stayed local this year, competing in the U15 Premier bracket of the OBGC Capital Cup.  Things kicked off against McLean Green, and United capitalized on a couple of chances on either side of halftime to have a 2-0 lead late into the match until Green got one goal back.  The next morning saw United play Maryland Rush and the team snagged a 1-0 win.

 

The final matches of the tournament’s group stage took place on Sunday and saw United play ASA Arsenal, who had also won both of their games.  With the teams tied on points entering the game, United knew they needed to win as ASA’s goal difference was stronger approaching the match.  With Arsenal just needing a tie to get through, United was determined to get off to a quality start.  A ferocious attack and stifling defense was on display throughout the entire game and United played closer to their potential for the first time in the tournament.  A 3-0 victory was the result and the girls would play Vienna in the championship on Monday.

 

Championship matches always seem to bring tighter games and often against familiar foes, both of which were the case at the Capital Cup.  Vienna Black is a common opponent for United, and one that the group will see at least 2 times again this Fall in WAGS play.  Herndon took a 1-0 lead into halftime on a quality finish from a beautiful through ball.  Defensive pressure from the forwards in the 2nd half allowed for the team to create a miscue deep in Vienna’s half and United closed out the game to finish with a 2-0 win.

 

Congratulations on an excellent start to the season!