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Gold Rush--Div 1, U11 Girls State Cup, Hanford, CA
Heritage's U11 Gold Rush continued making their mark in CYSA North Division I soccer at their first State Cup tournament.  The first match on Saturday found the Gold Rush pitted against the Hanford Central Attack, a well rounded team that displayed a strong, controlling mid-field and a solid defense.  The Gold Rush, who came out tentative with the State Cup "jitters", were scored upon early in the match.  After that, the Gold Rush defenders, Laura McDonagh, Evelyn Langsdale, Larissa Rodriguez, and Amanda Gomez, played flawless defense, supported by Goalkeepers Cortney Kleczka and Ashley White.  Unfortunately, the Attack's defense and midfield kept the Gold Rush scoring opportunities to a minimum, allowing the Attack to record the win, 1-0.The Gold Rush came back Sunday morning refreshed after enjoying their free time together Saturday afternoon and evening.  The Saturday evening team dinner seemed to rid the girls of their "jitters" and they came out strong and aggressive against the Mission Soccer Club (SF) Mavericks.  Although the Gold Rush controlled the first half, the halftime score stood at 0-0.  The girls learned for the first time in their soccer careers, what an offside trap is and how to counter it.  Within 5 minutes of the second half, Anne Whipple found midfielder Allison Dick alone in front of the Maverick's goal and Allison drilled a perfect one-touch shot into the back of the net.  Many more scoring opportunities were created with runs and precision passing by Erika Galdamez, Katherine Tottle, and Melanie Hines.  Eventually the Gold Rush scored again, this time the Gold Rush attackers found Anne Whipple alone in front of the goal.  Anne controlled the ball, put a move on the Maverick's keeper, and placed a perfect ball into the back of the net.  The final score was Gold Rush 2, Mavericks 0.The final game of the session on Sunday afternoon found the Gold Rush still in the running to make it to the Round of 16.  Knowing the Mustang United would be a formidable opponent, the Gold Rush came out strong with aggressive play by midfielders Jamie Merjano and Pilar Souder.  United scored early with a strong shot taken from the 18 yard line.  Again, the Gold Rush defense stepped up and shut United out the rest of the game.  Near the end of the match, United had numerous opportunities to score, but the Gold Rush pride stepped in and cleared the ball away.  Even with time running out, goalkeeper Ashley White was urging her fellow teammates to push the ball up and score--a testament to the Gold Rush "never say die" attitude.  Final score: Mustang United 1, Gold Rush 0.Although the Gold Rush did not make it into the Round of 16, they did learn, as they have all season, they have what it takes to play competitive soccer against the best teams in Northern California.  Good luck to the Hanford Central Cal Attack in their quest for the State Cup. 

Castro Valley Winter Shootout
The Heritage Gold Rush, Division I under 11 girls soccer team completed a highly successful run at the Castro Valley Winter Shootout on January 7 and 8. The girls started pool play with a convincing 3-0 win on Saturday morning over the Juventus Firebrands. They were able to follow that with another 3-0 victory over  Lamorinda United Blue.On Sunday they continued their strong defense with another shutout, and ended pool play with a 0-0 tie. The Gold Rush finished pool play undefeated, un-scored upon and in first place. They were rewarded for their efforts with a spot in the Championship game against Lamorinda United ‘94. They continued their strong defense with another shutout through two 25-minute halves and two 5-minute overtimes. After 60 minutes of scoreless soccer they ultimately lost in penalty kicks.  The Gold Rush finished the tournament as the only under 11 team to not allow a goal to be scored against them. Their overall soccer play was excellent throughout the tournament and although they did not come home with the first place medal they played like champions.