FC Blades G00 completed an outstanding undefeated season with solid victories over Canyon PSA, NHB Black and X-Treme to take the Bronze Omega Champions title.

Coach Andy Winn’s team finished with 13 wins, zero losses and one tie against PSA in the first leg.

Meanwhile, the team breezed through pool play in League Cup and defeated Cypress Elite 4-1 in the first elimination round to set up a Sweet 16 match-up against Beach on Dec. 5.

As throughout the season, the Blades GU-9’s are anchored by Jackie Ruggiero in goal, fronted by Kerenna Samynathan, Jaelyn Otomo and Aliyah Sicat on the backlne.

Midfield and forward roles are filled by Lauren Drysdale, Lauren Fuchs, Clarissa Hernandez, Michelle Hung, Aya Prow, McKenna Reid, Lauren Schlegel and Natalie Virga.

The half-way point of the Fall CSL season finds the FC Blades GU-9s three points clear of NHB FC Black at the top of the Bronze Omega table.

The Blades girls got off to a high-flying start in their first two games, scoring 14 goals while conceding only one. Play was considerably tighter against So Cal Blues-Brad in a physical game that saw the Blades eventually prevail, 3-1.

After another convincing effort against the Laguna Hills Eclipse, the Blades faced their first test of adversity against Canyon PSA. PSA got on the scorecard first with a rebound goal off a free kick. Blades answered back with a free kick goal of their own and settled for the draw.

That set the tone for the match-up of first place shareholders Blades and NHB Black. Once again, the Blades’ nerves were tested by conceding first but the halftime whistle found the sides even at 1-1. The Blades attack came to life in the second half and, with a well-deserved 5-2 victory, claimed sole possession of first place.

With Coach Andy Winn urging his girls to close out the half of the season on a strong note, the Blades responded with an assured 4-0 win over a determined X-Treme Black.

The Blades’ numbers at the halfway point:

Wins – 6, Losses – 0, Draws – 1, Goals For – 38, Goals Against – 5, Cards – 0, Points – 19

Hot off their AUSC Soccerfest penalty shootout heartbreak and their convincing Fullerton Rangers Summer Classic championship, the FC Blades GU9’s continued their run of impressive results with another title at the Oaks Polo Fields Classic.

Saturday morning’s game against So Cal Blues Brad was a chance for the Blades attack to get warmed up with a 6-0 win. Then came the match-up with So Cal Blues Otto that would prove to be "The Final". The Blades jumped out to a 2-0 lead on goals by Lauren Drysdale and Aya Mae Prow. The Blues clawed their way back to a 2-2 draw and Blades keeper Jackie Ruggiero made an important reaction save before Drysdale netted a dramatic winner shortly before the full-time whistle.

Sunday’s action saw the Blades put up 7 goals against 2 for familiar rivals FC Freedom and then close out the tournament with a 6-0 victory over a hard-working San Clemente United.

Besides Drysdale and Prow, the Blades got goals, beautiful build-up play and solid defensive support from Lauren Fuchs, Clarissa Hernandez, Natalie Virga, Michelle Hung, Lauren Schlegel, Kerenna Samynathan, McKenna Reid, Aliyah Sicat and Jaelyn Otomo. Keeper Jackie continued with more confident performances between the posts.

Blades Coach Andy Winn was pleased with the girls’ will to win and confidence going into the tougher competition of the West Coast Futbol Classic and the So Cal Blues Cup.

Playing with only 9 players in temperatures near 100 degrees, the FC Blades GU9’s blazed through the competition, notching 19 goals while conceding only 4.

Saturday morning started cool and rough for the Blades, going into halftime down 1-3 to South Bay Force. Then the sun came out and so did the Blades’ heart and soul, storming back to a 5-3 victory. The steamy afternoon saw the Blades cooly dispatch the host Rangers 5-1. Needing just to score 2 goals Sunday morning against Legends FC Black to secure a place in the Championship, the Blades cooly slotted 3 while new keeper, Jackie Ruggiero, earned her first Blades shut out. That set up the hot afternoon final against rivals Freedom FC and the Blades attackers scored early and often while Jackie kept another clean sheet to claim the trophy with a 6-0 victory.

Apart from goalkeeper Jackie, the stand-out Blades included Jaelyn Otomo, Kerenna Samynathan and Aliyah Sicat on the back-line. Natalie Virga, Aya Mae Prow and Lauren Schlegel in the mid-field and Lauren Drysdale and Clarissa Hernandez up front led the relentless attack.

Coach Andy Winn was extremely proud of the effort of this group of girls in such demanding conditions.

FC Blades Girls U 9 GOLD

GAME # DATE TIME OPPONENT SCORE LOCATION

964415 SA JUL 18 8:00 AM SOUTH BAY FORCE (MARTINEZ PARKS JR HS 1

964416 SA JUL 18 1:00 PM FULLERTON RANGERS PARKS JR HS 1

964421 SU JUL 19 8:00 AM LEGENDS FC BLACK PARKS LOWER