SOCA’s winning ways in the Virginia State Cup resumed for the spring on Saturday, April 2 with the club’s U13 Girls Elite team notching a first round win at South Fork Soccer Park.

The spring season includes State Cup play for the U14-U12 age groups.  The SOCA squads competing in the spring will follow the great success the club enjoyed in the fall, where SOCA claimed one State Cup championship (U18 Boys), one runner-up (U15 Boys) and two semi-finalist (U15 Girls and U17 Boys) placements.

In cool early spring conditions, the SOCA U13 Girls Elite posted a 1-0 victory over visiting Lee-Mt. Vernon SC to launch their 2016 Cup campaign.  The narrow score line margin was not indicative of the dominance displayed by the home side.  The locals started well and grew in confidence and comfort as the game progressed.

The lone goal came at about the 18 minute mark, when Kora Jillions finished off a neatly constructed sequence.  Kelly Rogers initiated the attack by pushing forward from her left back position, serving to central striker Mallory Plecker who laid the ball wide to Jillions who tucked her finish inside the back post.

Coach Jason Moore was pleased with his team’s effort.  “The girls have picked-up where we left off at the end of the fall, and are getting better with each match.  I feel we are progressing nicely and we’re hoping to peak at the right time.  This good performance and the win will help relieve any State Cup jitters the girls may have.”

Throughout the game, the SOCA squad maintained the greater share of possession and were on the ascendancy as the game wore on.  LMVSC were not able to seriously threaten the SOCA goal, making the 1-0 score feel a bit more comfortable.

In their next match, the U13’s will face #3 seed DC Stoddart on the road.  The schedule for that match has not been announced.

On Saturday, April 9, three SOCA boys teams are scheduled for State Cup first round action.  The U12 Boys and U13 Boys will play at South Fork Soccer Park (2:00 pm and 4:00 pm, respectively) while the U14’s will be on the road at McLean at 4:00 pm.

View all VYSA State Cup information and schedules here: http://www.vysa.com/statecup/index_E.html