Gators Orange '96: Welcome
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Congratulations to the 2011 - 2012 U16 State Cup Champion Michigan Gators Orange 96!
Michigan Gators FC ’96 Orange Captures State Cup Championship
The Michigan Gators FC ’96 Orange, U-16 girls, captured the coveted State Cup, defeating the Grand Rapids Crew Juniors Gold, 2-1, in the MSYSA Michigan State Cup Championship game on Oct. 15, at Ultimate Soccer Arena in Pontiac, Mich. The teams battled for scoring chances throughout the first half. The Crew capitalized first after finding some open space and blasting a rocket shot in the upper corner of the goal with just minutes left in the first half. The Gators came out in the second half with renewed determination and increased intensity, scoring off a throw-in followed by two quick passes and a well-centered shot to tie the game 1-1. With 22 minutes left to play, the Gators scored the go-ahead goal when they combined a series of passes, splitting two Crew defenders with a through ball to the corner where it was gathered and then crossed to midfielder Sarah T who deftly found the back of the net. The Gators finished the 2012 Michigan State Cup Championship tournament with a 6-0 record. In preliminary matches, the Gators beat Canton Celtic (3-0), SCOR Premier (7-0) and Grand Rapids Crew Juniors Black (3-0). In the quarterfinals, the Gators defeated Vardar North, 5-0; and in the semifinals, the Gators beat Michigan Hawks East 96, 4-2.As State Cup Champs, the Gators will represent Michigan in the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series, the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament.
GO GATORS!
