MICHIGAN SOCCER NETWORK: MSN NEWS: www.michigansoccernetwork.com/msnnews
BY DAN STICKRADT
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST | WEB AND CONTENT EDITOR | DIRECTOR OF NEWS
PH: (248) 884-1051
TW/X: @msn_stickradt @LocalSportsFans @MiSoccerNetwork
HAMTRAMCK, Mich. – In their first year in the USL-W League, the Colorado Storm can already call themselves a national finalist.
It could be even more after next weekend.
The Storm took their act to the road and knocked off previously-unbeaten Detroit City FC 2-1 Saturday night in a USL-W League national semifinals match at Keyworth Stadium.
The Storm (13-1-1) netted the game-winning goal two minutes into stoppage time at the end of the second half and withstood Detroit City’s late pressure to prevail.
Reese McDermott knocked in a loose ball during a goal-mouth scramble after Amy Smith rang her shot off the crossbar – good for her 12th goal of the campaign which is top-10 in the nation – and it proved to be the dagger in Detroit City’s memorable season. The two teams played eight minutes of stoppage time, but the Storm would hold firm down the stretch.
Avery Peters scored in the 11th minute off a Lilley Bosley pass for Detroit City FC, which finished the year with a stellar 12-1-2 record, a 31-8 scoring edge, nine shutouts and both a Great Lakes Division title and Central Conference championship – the Final Four – in the program’s first-ever postseason appearance. The Le Rouge notched several program records along the way.
The Mountain Division champions from Aurora, Colorado, were able to level up the contest at 1-1 with a 39th minute goal from McDermott.
The two teams remained tied until stoppage time near the end of the contest – and Colorado’s McDermott came through in the clutch.
Colorado (13-1-1) will face NC Courage U-23 on July 20 at the WBAL Soccer Park in Raleigh, North Carolina. Game time will be released this week.
NC COURAGE U-23 2, TENNESSEE SC 1: Syrianna Davis may be just 17 years old, but her strike from 25 yards out Saturday night was one for the ages.
The goal coming midway through the second 10-minute overtime period was enough to propel the Courage to a thrilling 2-1 victory over Tennessee SC in the USL-W League national semifinals at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina.
Last year’s national runners-up are headed back to the finals and will face USL-W League newcomer Colorado Storm, which defeated previously-unbeaten Detroit City FC 2-1 Saturday in the other national semifinal in Hamtramck, Michigan, thanks to a stoppage time game-winner.
Kayleigh Herr scored on a rebound opportunity in the 59th minute for the Courage (14-0-1), which lost to the Indy Eleven in last year’s national title game.
Tennessee SC (11-2-2) kept it close thanks due in part of the play of goalkeeper Bailee Fiore and were finally able to net an equalizer in the 93rd minute on a goal by Anna Haddock to force overtime.
The NC Courage U-23 will face the Colorado (13-1-1) in the national championship game on July 20 at the WBAL Soccer Park in Raleigh, North Carolina. Game time will be released this week.
MICHIGAN SOCCER NETWORK: MSN NEWS: www.michigansoccernetwork.com/msnnews
(Have a story suggestion for the Premier Media Group and the Michigan Soccer Network regarding club soccer, high school varsity, amateur soccer, collegiate soccer or professional soccer of teams or players with Michigan ties, contact Communications Specialist/Web and Content Editor/Director of News Dan Stickradt via email at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com, or call 248-884-1051. Dan Stickradt is a 31-year veteran of the Michigan Media circles and recently joined the staff full time in March of 2024. Want to schedule a broadcast game or live show, contact PMG/MSN Director of Broadcasting Jonathan Turner for availability and pricing at jonathan@michigansoccernetwork.com.)
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