LANCASTER, Calif. (June 15, 2009) – Defending 2008 US Youth Soccer National Champions, the Under-19 Girls Colorado Rush Nike, along with 247 other boys and girls teams, kicked off the 2009 US Youth Soccer Region IV (West) Championships today at the Lancaster National Soccer Center in Lancaster, Calif.

There are nine Region IV Champions back this year and ready to defend their title. After day one of games some came out on top, some fell short and others broke even with a tie.

This week, the top 248 US Youth Soccer boys and girls teams from the 14 State Associations that make up US Youth Soccer Region IV compete for the regional title. Teams play a round robin schedule June 15-17, followed by a day of rest before qualifying teams advance to the quarterfinals on June 18. Semifinal will be played June 19, with champions crowned June 20.

Defending the most prized title in youth soccer, that of National Champion, the Under-19 Girls Colorado Rush Nike came to the Region IV Championships to make statement and earn the right to defend their title.  Katie Martinez hit the first Colorado goal against Leahi Premier (HI) in the 18^th minute. Teammate Danielle Foxhoven racked up a hat trick with three consecutive goals in the 36^th, 40^th and 44^th minutes. After the half, Martinez had back-to-back goals, ten minutes apart, to get a hat trick of her own. Emmalie Pfankuch finished Colorado's 8-0 win with two goals in the 83^rd and 90^th minutes. 

 

The Under-17 Girls So Cal Blues-Bobak (CA-S) are back to defend their Region IV title and it started with today's game against Sereno 92 White (AZ). Julie Johnston opened the scoring for Sereno in the 14^th minute, but the Blues Tawni Martino countered in the 30^th minute and pushed the Blues to a 2-1 lead by following up with 37^th minute shot. Johnston hit Sereno's equalizer in the 39^th minute for a 2-2 half time score. In the second half, Sereno took the lead with a 47^th minute goal from Danielle De La Vina. Elizabeth Eddy once again tied the game for the Blues in the 53^rd minute, but Sereno got the last goal in the 56^th minute when Johnston polished off her first-day hat trick. Sereno won 4-3.

 

The Slammers FC (CA-S) Under-18 and Under-16 Girls are both looking for back-to-back Region IV Championship titles and both marked opening day of games with wins.

The Under-18 Girls Slammers (CA-S) took a 3-1 win over AK Rush (AK). Slammers' Courtney Giovanni netted the only goal of the first half in the 10^th minute. Samantha Strom (70:00) and Lauren Kennedy (87:00) both scored in the second half for the Slammers. Korina Velasco had the lone goal for the Rush in the 75^th minute.

The Slammers Under-16 Girls held AUFC (NM) scoreless with their 2-0 victory. Tessa Andujar knocked one past the keeper in the 51^st minute and Emily Dillon finished off the Slammers' win with her goal in the 65^th minute.

Sydney Zuccolotto put the Under-14 Girls So Cal Blues (CA-S) up 1-0 against Mustang Blast (CA-N) in the 5^th minute of play. Blast's Reilly Parker netted back-to-back goals (23:00, 27:00) to pull into the lead, but the Blues regained the lead with two goals in the second half to win 3-2.

 

The Under-13 Girls Eastside FC Red (WA) held tight against the returning regional champions, Mustang Fury (CA-N). The game ended in a 0-0 draw.

 

The Under-19 Boys Neusport of Nevada knew today's game would be a challenge, as they faced the defending Region IV Champions, Cisco Toros of Arizona. The Toros came out strong with an 18^th minute goal by Nicholas DeLeon. Teammate Antonio Valera netted another in the 48^th minute. Brian Green pushed the Toros to 3-0 with a 70^th minute goal and they capped off the 4-0 victory with Alfredo Rico's shot in the 78^th minute.

Sereno 94 White (AZ) tested 2008 regional champs, Arsenal FC (CA-S), in today's match up. Riggs Lennon put Sereno on the boards in the 7^th minute and Sereno held the lead until the 55^th when Arsenal's Edward Arrietta knocked one in. Neither team was able to finish and the game ended 1-1.

 

Looking to go for a second regional championship, the Under-13 Boys West Coast FC (CA-S), came out looking for a win on day one against Crossfire Premier (WA). West Coast had the upper hand after a 42^nd minute goal by Brian Pacheco, but Crossfire countered in the 67^th with an Alex Bell goal. The game ended 1-1.