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South Jersey Elite Barons Rush are national champions, after coming from behind to beat Utah club La Roca in overtime of the U16 girls final on Sunday morning in Frisco, Texas.
La Roca took an early lead with a goal in the eighth minute and were two minutes from bringing the championship trophy back to Utah when Alyssa Monti sent in a fortuitous ball that appeared at first to be a cross but sailed into the upper corner of the goal.
With the game tied, the two sides went to extra time to decide it. In the 92nd minute, Erin Sullenberger’s pressure at midfield forced a bad pass that turned into a quick counter attack and Mackenzie Clement ended up finding Sullenberger, who was able to beat the keeper for the go-ahead and eventual game-winning goal.
Congratulations to the NEW USYSA U16 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS SJEB Rush 02 Girls Blue!!! We couldn’t be more proud of you girls and all of your efforts! A hard fought comeback match against La Roca! FINAL SCORE 2-1 (OT)
— SJEB Rush (@SJEBRush) July 29, 2018
LET’S GOOOOOOOO LADIES!!!@njyouthsoccer @rushsoccer @edpsoccer pic.twitter.com/3A3vbxbaWA
SJEB Rush was one of three teams from the area playing in U.S. Youth Soccer national finals on Sunday in Texas.
Real Jersey FC took an early lead when Braden Short set up Cade McGrath for a goal in the fifth minute, but they were unable to hold onto the lead in the U14 boys final. Nationals Union tied the game int the 57th minute and scored the game-winner in the closing seconds of stoppage time directly off a corner kick to win.
Philadelphia SC Coppa Swarm also came up short in the U14 girls final to a Michigan team, settling for second place after a 2-0 loss to the Michigan Jaguars.
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