The Albion Girls-U14 Premier soccer team capped an undefeated season in the Presidio League Nov. 8 with a 3-0 shutout of San Diego Surf Blue. Albion dominated its seven opponents in San Diego’s top league, racking up 11 wins, no losses and 3 ties. The girls on the Albion team are primarily from La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach and Point Loma. The Premier GU14 team, based at Robb Field in Ocean Beach, scored 27 goals while giving up only 3. The team’s stellar defense recorded shutouts in 11 of 14 games and in no game allowed more than one goal. “We are so proud of these hardworking, close-knit girls,” said team manager Lisa Laube. “Most of these girls have been together for several seasons and it’s been rewarding to watch them get better each year. Going undefeated against the county’s top teams is a testament to hard work, teamwork and great coaching.” Coach Eric “Chai” Chaisongkram inherited the nationally-ranked team this season from Coach Beto Vilella, who nurtured the girls in the club’s Brazilian, technical-precision-style game the previous three seasons. “The expectations were high for these girls this season,” Chaisongkram said. “We are all pleased, very pleased, with their progress so far and we look forward to seeing how far they choose to expand on this success.” The team’s 2008 tournament highlights include first place in the Albion Cup National Showcase, finalist in Arizona’s Sereno Soccer Classic, quarterfinalist in the Blues Cup and tournament wins against an Arizona state champion and Nevada state finalist team. “This team has been recognized by myself and the soccer community as one of the top teams in the Southern California area,” said Albion club director Noah Gins. “To go undefeated in Premier is a great accomplishment, showing the consistency to play soccer at the highest level and deliver a consistent game each time out. I think more than anything is you look at the dominance that the team had in goals for and goals against, proving they are truly the best team in this group. All these wins occurred also with playing quality, attractive Albion soccer. I am very excited about the future of this team.” The team will conclude this season in the San Diego Surf Thanksgiving tournament. For more information, visit www.albionsoccer.org or www.albionsoccer.org.
