Aces Academy U14 Girls 2nd Place at Nike FC Challenge Cup in Columbus, OH Congratulations to coach Stein Garcia and the U14 Girls Aces Academy team for their 2nd place showing at the Nike FC Challenge Cup in Columbus, OH over the weekend of April 24th-25th. The girls lost the first game to FC Phoenix (OH) 3-0, then came back and won the next two group games.  In game two against Arsenal FC (PA) quick combination play from Midfielders Lexi Awdziejczyk, Sarah Magnuson, Forwards Angela Budimir and Elena Cukurs created many dangerous scoring opportunities.  Then 10 minutes into the first half, Brittnay Mueller would blast a high shot past a diving goalkeeper.  Just before halftime, the second insurance goal came from a long distance strike from Erin Moody.  Thats all the team would need to finish the game with a 2-0 win.  In their 3rd and final group game against Force FC (MI), Mueller would strike again off a great lay off pass from Megan Mcollum.  The defense of Rachel Hoy, Allie Kemph, Sarah Brawley, and Megan Brant would hold strong for 1-0 win.  Emily O'Grady secured her 2nd shut out in as many games to help the team advance to the championship game. In the championship game they again faced FC Phoenix, last years state cup finalist in Ohio.  In the first half the team drew a pk on a handball.  Midfielder Mary Collins would confidently bury her shot into the upper 90 corner to give the team an early lead in the first half.  In the second half, the Phoenix would hit an equalizer and send the game into overtime.  Hard working midfielders Kim Herzog, Jackie Kemph, and Vanessa Sanchez would create some great chances, but the Phoenix would score a late goal in the second overtime to secure the championship. "I am so proud of the level of soccer that the girls played this weekend.  They came together as a team and really left it out on the field.  Their outstanding effort and heart continues to inspire me as a coach.  This is truly a special group of classy young ladies"  Coach Stein Garcia. Great job girls! The Aces Academy U14G are now ranked 13th in the state of Illinois by gotsoccer.com. View ranking...