ST. LOUIS, MO - The SLSG Navy ECNL traveled to Bettendorf, IA this past weekend, to compete against ECNL programs including the Michigan Hawks, Vardar, FC Wisconsin, and Gretna. 

Saturday, the U13 and U14 programs competed against the Michigan Hawks to open their ECNL season. The U13 team competed in what was a great game against the Hawks. With multiple greats chances going both ways, the Michigan Hawks ultimately scored a goal against the run of play to seal a 1-0 victory. 

The U14’s then took the field against the Michigan Hawks. An early goal for the Hawks saw the U14 program down at the half. But after multiple good passages of play, a great combination from Alexandra Pfeiffer, Molly Moisses, and Mya Barr led to a great goal and leveled the game. The game settled in a tie, with the U14 team earning a hard-fought point. 

Across the complex, the U15-U18/19 groups played against Vardar and FC Wisconsin throughout the weekend.

Saturday, the teams took on Vardar. The U15’s continued their winning ways, winning the game 6-0. Goals came from Grace Restovich (2), Ki Kukan (2), Tasneem Dizdarevic (2), and Payton Buck. Caroline Birkel collected her second consecutive shutout of the season. 

Next up, the U16’s put on another dominant performance, winning their fixture against Vardar 6-0. Goals were scored by Brooke Cattoor, Lucie Schwartz (2), Alyssa Bockius (2), and Ana DiMaria. Parker Scheele and Lexi Stephens combined for the shutout. 

The U17 team battled a very tough Vardar team on Saturday morning. Sarah Bozeman made a big save in goal on a penalty kick, however, Vardar was able to jump on the rebound to take a lead. Late in the second half, Alivia Buxton was able to finish from a distance and level the game. 

An early goal against the U18/19 group saw Vardar’s U18/19 team take the lead. However, a great performance from the group as well as two goals from Gracie Bindbeutal would prove the difference in the game as SLSG Navy ECNL was able to win 2-1.

On Sunday, the U13 and U14 teams competed against Gretna. The U13 team was able to win comfortably, outscoring Gretna 4-0. Goals came from Maddie DiMaria, Catherine Reim, and Lauren Pingle. Josie Hensley and Kate Lawler combined for the team's first shutout in the ECNL. Later in the day, the U14 team was able to win their game 2-0, with goals from Bailey Flanagan & Alexandra Pfeiffer. Lena Orywall and Maia Crawford earned the collective shutout for their first shutout of the season. 

Meanwhile, the U15-U18/19 teams were playing against FC Wisconsin. The U15 game saw goals scored by Grace Restovich (3), Ki Kukan, and Payton Buck. Caroline Birkel again recorded a consecutive shutout, this one her third of the season.

The U16 age group then took the field. Having gone down 0-1 early, the U16’s fought hard to come back and win the game 4-1. Lucie Schwartz scored her third, and Ana DiMaria scored her second of the weekend. Langley Mayers and Kayleigh McPherson also found themselves on the scoresheet.

The U17 age group was able to lock down a 2-0 win behind goals from Hailey Chambliss, and Alivia Buxton - her second of the weekend. Sarah Bozeman was in goal for the shutout. 

The final match of the weekend saw the U18/19 team take on FC Wisconsin. The game settled at 3-1, with FC Wisconsin getting on the board through a penalty kick. Rylie Combs, Rylee Howard, and Jessica Larson combined for all three goals in the match.

"The month [of October] was tough on everyone. I'm so proud of the girls for their focus to finish off a very tough stretch of games on the road" SLSG ECNL Director Ralph Richards said of the weekend. "We are looking forward to our next phase of the season as we wrap up league games and enter the showcase season."

“Our preparation was excellent and it was reflected in our having "control" of the game…I’m really proud of both teams for their dedication to improving as a unit in just about every area of the game” Girls Program Director of Coaching, Scotty McDoniel said. “This weekend was a positive sign of where we stand as a club, a program, and as teams.”

SLSG Navy ECNL Program thanks each of the players, families, and friends from the program who traveled this holiday weekend. The girls now return home with the next ECNL weekend of games Nov 21st and 22nd.