Rochester Jr. Rhinos GU 16 Yellow team enjoys successful trip to Raleigh, North Carolina

It is very unusual to find after the first day of competition, that all four teams in a bracket were dead even.  That is the exact scenario that played out in this year’s CASL Shootout College Showcase Tournament that took place December 1 – 2, 2008, in Raleigh, NC.  Four matches were held on Saturday in the girls under 16 bracket, and all four matches ended in 0 – 0 ties.  Rochester Jr. Rhinos GU 16 Yellow teamed faced tough opposition from Bloomfield Force ‘92’s (Michigan) and North Atlanta Elite (Georgia), but the Rhino’s defense led by Liz Cusato in the middle and flanked by Bridget Kehm and Ally Abel keep any scoring opportunities to a minimum.

The final preliminary match on Sunday morning would determine who would advance to the Championship Game.  It would be important to score and keep the opponent from doing the same.  The Jr. Rhinos faced the GSE Cardinals from Southern Ohio.   In the first half of play, Jr. Rhino’s Lindsay ‘Lobo’ Lobevero beat her defender and cracked a shot to the goalie’s weak side.  The Jr. Rhino’s were up one goal.   The remainder of the match was a battle to preserve the shut out.  Keeper Dani Britt made spectacular saves and the Jr. Rhino’s were victorious.  Based upon their three shut outs, the Jr. Rhino’s advanced to the finals. 

 In the Championship Match, the Jr. Rhino’s faced Jackson Futball Club ’92 Girls from Mississippi.  This team was previously Mississippi State Cup Champion and Region 3 Champion.  The Jr. Rhinos fell one goal short and are the 2007 CASL Shootout Finalists.