Boca Jrs 91 Girls are Champions!

Livermore, CA -- The Capital Athletic Boca Jrs 91 girls defeated Marin FC 1-0 to win the CYSA U14 Girls State Championship Saturday at Robertson Park. Forward Natalie Perez scored the game-winning goal with 12 minutes remaining in the match to give Boca the win.

The teams battled to a 0-0 tie at the half. Boca controlled most of the possession in the first half and created numerous opportunities but was unable to convert. In the second half the game evened out. However, the back line of Alli Kelly, Alex Del Agua, Nikki Wilson, and Rachelle Rodman were strong the entire match. The best opportunity for Marin FC came with 15 minutes remaining in the match when a forward broke through the back line. However, goalkeeper Erin Rost came up with an amazing save to preserve the shutout.

From that point forward Boca took over the match. The midfield of Jen Ericson, Danielle Lovato, and Courtney Strombeck began connecting passes and creating chances for forwards Rachel Mercik, Mallory Creamer, Timery Mueller and Perez. Late in the second half Mercik dribbled the back line and shot the ball from the left corner of the box. The Marin FC goalkeeper made a terrific save but could not hang on to the ball. Perez rushed the ball and tucked it away.

The State Championship is the first in the history of the club for a girls' team. The team will represent Northern California at the Region IV Championships in Boise, Idaho.