(May 14, 2009) - The Incredible Season continues! The Washington Premier F.C. GU-94 White team’s 2008-2009 season has been an incredible ride that has not ended yet.  The season began in February of 2008 with the formation of this year’s GU-94 team. As with any team there was a fair amount of turnover but the new and old girls jelled quickly and enjoyed early success and earned their first tournament title in May by winning the Snohomish United Invitational. The Rainier Challenge was next and was again won by the team. After an unsuccessful tournament in Bellingham the girls followed the performance with another title, this time at the Federal Way Blastoff.  The team was placed in the Fall PDL Division 5. The girls continued their hard work and excellent play and finished at the top. 

In the beginning of 2009 they were promoted to Spring PDL Division 4. The start was difficult and for the first time in the year they had consecutive losses and draws. The step up in opponent quality did not deter the girls but injuries and fatigue of the long year kept them from competing at their highest level. The proof of this was in the second half of league play where with a complete roster finished strong and placed third avenging losses along the way. 

As the 2009 State Cup season loomed the overall belief was that the girls could win it all but the coaches kept the girls grounded. The Challenge Cup began with an ominous start with a deflating 2-0 loss to ECFC Blue.  Again as in league play and like in previous tourney losses the coaching staff’s inspiration refocused the team. WPFC’s play reflected this new spirit as the girls went on a 6 game win streak and won the Challenge Cup with a win over Eastside 94 White 2-0 in the title game. This by far was the longest year (14 months) but also the most successfull as the Girls won 3 tournaments, 1 division title and the Challenge Cup. 

Congratulations to Nick especially, for finally winning the "Big Game" after 5 previous tries and many teams.  A special thanks should also go out to  Manager Lisa Girolami who kept the team organized, and to the parents who shuttled the players to and from practices and games. Please feel free to raise your heads high and be proud of the effort that was given this year. Let us all look forward to lifting the Cup again next year!!!

As tryouts were completed and the new team was selected all involved thought the 15 month season was over. Preparations for the Rainier Challenge were to be made. The club had decided not to send the team to the Region IV Presidents Cup. As this was a new tournament and there were too many unknowns which the club was not prepared for. After a few calls and commitments made the club reversed its decision and the girls made their trek to Pasco.

As in any tournament the object is to win but against opponents none of these girls had ever faced one would be content to just play well. Not these girls they embraced the challenge and to a girl knew that they were headed to Raleigh, NC for the finals. 

In what was one their  the best performances of the year WPFC put up a brave fight against America United Soccer Club (Cal South) but were undone by an excellent header goal by the Californians. Undaunted and unphased like in the previous tournament the girls refocused knowing that if they played “their game” they would face America United again.  A big win against a Hawaii team and another against a feisty Alaska team set up the re-match against the Californians.  

The Region IV championship game began with the Cal South team taking control of the game. They rewarded themselves with header goal in the first 5 minutes.  WPFC now down early and staring into the Cal South attack became resolute and started to plug away getting chances and looks. They continued to withstand the California champion most of the half. With 5 minutes left in the first WPFC scored the equalizer. The girls carried the momentum into the second half only to be thwarted by an inspired Cal South goalie. Then after a close call late by Cal South, the girls turned a corner kick opportunity into a goal. The girls held the lead precariously till the final whistle; but when all was said and done, their belief of winning carried them thru. 

So as this ride continues on to Raleigh, NC for the National President’s Cup Championship. The girls will be lead by the excellent stewardship of Head Coach Nick Ruiz and assistant Denise Merdich.  Coach Nick had been to the State Cup game 5 times before; with many teams, before finally winning the “Big One” on his sixth try. Denise was a former US National Team player. The girls will definitely have leadership to guide them but if they win it will be because they have what it takes to be champions.  

Recognition should be given to an excellent group of parents and a great manager Lisa Girolami. The girls are  Kayla F, Alex W, Aliyah V, Jessica I, Sabrina B, Kendra I, Austriana B, Hanna Z, Kayla B, Ashley E, Maddy T, Alex H, Emilie T, Kortney H, Guiliana G, Chelsea D.