U-17s Take State Cup Championship

Gary's U-17s with Big Smiles (No Doubt, in Contemplation of their Late June Long Weekend in Maine,

site of the Region I Championship Tournament)

The U17s have been quietly going about their business since they came together last last Fall. Playing college showcases and competing in Region I's Northeast Subregional league they have been waiting their chance to show their stuff in the State Cup having been byed through to the finals. There can be no ignoring the U17s any longer because on June 1st they triumphed over Seacoast in a close and toughly contested State Cup final. Gary's girls had their hands full with a talented Seacoast team but were able to jump out to a 1 goal lead in the first half. Carlee Brion blasted a loose ball from a set play into the back of the net. The girls jumped out to a 2 goal lead early in the second half when Bree Robinson pounced on a rebound from a cross by Cassy Muse and pushed it past the Seacoast goalie. Seacoast made it close by scoring their only goal with about 15 minutes to play. Seacoast went on the attack for the final 15 minutes but the girls held strong for the 2-1 victory.

The result is a testament to the strong ties that hold this team and their coaches together. Many of the young women on this team have been playing together since they were girls in the u-11 and u-12 years -- then flying under the banner of the old MISL club. When MISL folded they moved to the Phantoms and when the Phantoms were subsumed into the Classics, they came to Granite FC. Through it all, they have shown a fierce loyalty to each other and their coach, Gary Karibian. With the blending of four players from the original squad that started the COE in 2003 they have made a potent combination that looks forward to the challenges ahead in Maine.

Congratulation to the u-17 players, coaches and families!!! Everyone at Granite FC is proud to be associated with each of you.

Courageous U-15s Fall to Seacoast in Closing Minutes of State Cup Final

Aubrey Oulette Saving Yet Another Seacoast Shot

The U-15s took to the field in the NH State Cup Finals on June 1 against Seacoast United -- a team they have met twice this spring each time resulting in a 0-0 draw. This time no draws would be allowed. The girls started the game tentatively and the talented Seacoast attack brought persistent and dangerous pressure on the COE final 18. Aubrey Oulette's first half heroics in the goal kept the game from slipping away under the onslaught. Aubrey was nothing short of brilliant and despite several well finished shots, she brought her teammates to half time only down one nil.

The second half was a different story entirely. The Wanderers came out with purpose and energy and carried the play to Seacoast as often as did Seacoast. The game swung back and forth with gritty and inspiring effort from the midfield and up top. The COE girls broke through on a gorgeous ball delivered into the box by Alyssa Cappetta. Amanda Roberts leapt up and forward and headed the ball past the Seacoast keeper to bring the score even. Both sides pressed hard for the winning goal and Seacoast managed the task in the final few minutes of the game to take the State Cup and send the Wanderers home.