Upper Keys U14 girls soccer players took their opponents to task during the AYSO State Games in West Palm Beach on Jan. 15-17. Going undefeated through four games of play, the team came back to the Keys champions after beating Homestead, 2-1.
Twelve goals were scored through four games by the Upper Keys U14 girls. Leading the way were Mya Champigny, Kai Redruello, Bayley Catarineau, Grace Goodwin, Ivy Tiedemann and Marina Ziarno. Only two goals were given up by the team throughout the state games.
Eight goals were scored with none given up in the team’s first two games. Game 3 was canceled due to weather, leading the U14 girls to a semifinal game that ended in a 2-1 victory.
A victory in the finals showed the team’s strength and resiliency in beating a Homestead team that had their number the past two years.
“If I did not know before, I certainly know now that the girls had a will to learn the game of soccer. It wasn’t the games that drove them,” said Coach Peter Galera. “It was their relentless pursuit of being a skilled soccer player and reaching that goal of playing high soccer and maybe beyond. I’m so proud of these young ladies. I believe they have jump started soccer again in the Upper Keys.”
Rewind to late 2019, many parents whose girls played on Catarineau’s state team wanted them to stay and grow together.. With help from one of Catarineau’s longtime friends, Galera, that wish became a reality. The two coaches have worked with the group of girls since January 2020 when they were competing in the U12 group.
A COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 would complicate matters for the team. They wouldn’t return to the field until August of that year. Middle school girls hit the field for tryouts, and several players joined the team. Biweekly practices at Founders Park saw players getting their temperatures taking the field.
The team played in friendlies and tournaments in Miami and South Florida from fall 2020 to June 2021. Last November, the team took second at the Alliance Cup in Naples.
Catarineau said the team set out on a journey several years ago with two goals in mind.
“First, to keep our girls playing soccer year round. Second, to keep them from having to play co-ed soccer,” he said. “These girls gave their blood, sweat and tears to get where they are today. As a father and a coach, I couldn’t be prouder of their commitment to themselves and their teammates.”
