Eastside FC girls become state’s first national champions in 17 years

Published 10:26 am Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Eastside FC, which features four local girls, put their names in the history books July 27 as one of the top youth soccer teams in state history.

The 15 girls from the Seattle metro area became the first youth soccer team from Washington to win a U.S. Youth Soccer National Championship since 1996, beating the YMS Xplosion from Pennsylvania 2-1 in Overland Park, Kan.

Local girls on the roster include Sammamish residents Cameron Tingey, Alexa Kirton, Molly Monroe and Issaquah’s Kaylene Pang.

Eastside FC struck first in the title game when Jojo Harber stole a dropped back pass to the goalkeeper and punched in a first-half goal. Roughly 5 minutes into the second half, Ellie Bryant headed in a goal off a corner kick for a 2-0 lead.

The Xplosion inched closer in the 60th minute with a goal of their own, but Eastside FC managed to hang on for the victory.

The goal was the only shot Monroe, the goalkeeper, let slide past her in three matches. Pang, a defender, was also named to the tournament’s “Best 11” in the U-14 age group with Harber.

“The girls played inspired soccer the whole week,” coach Tom Bialek said. “Every game has been difficult, and there have been moments in each where we have really been put to the test. We have been successful because of our team unity and spirit. When adversity has hit, they have stuck together and encouraged each other and found the positives instead of getting frustrated.”

Michelle French, a former US Women’s National Team player, coached the girls until she got the call to coach the US U20 Women’s National Team in February.

“This entire experience will have such a positive impact on the players moving forward,” she said. “What they have been working so incredibly hard for over the years is now a reality. The players will remember making it to Nationals during their young soccer careers forever. And no doubt the memories are that much sweeter having won the National Championship.”