The Girls’ Far West Regional League kicked into high gear the last two weekends, with the U15 age group entering a pivotal stage in the season and the playoff picture coming into focus.  

The top four teams in the age group - Slammers FC, So Cal Blues, San Diego Surf White, and Albion Premier - qualified for the round robin that will determine who wins the spring season and earns an invitation to the Regional Championships in the summer.

Slammers FC were the big winners of the weekend of March 27-28.

With four teams in position to win Group C, the Slammers came into Saturday’s game against the Eagles with a do-or-die mentality, and they won 1-0 behind a strong defensive effort led by Monica Gomez, Shianne Mack, Nicole Porro and Victoria Rodriguez.

The victory set up a Sunday showdown with Las Vegas Premier, who already won the fall season of the Far West League. Las Vegas needed only a tie to win Group C and advance to the round robin, while Slammers FC needed an outright win.

The Slammers came out on a mission, attacking and pressuring the Las Vegas defense all day. Las Vegas, playing for the tie, sat back, consolidated their back line, and tried to possess the ball.

The Slammers kept pushing forward, switching to a 3-4-3 formation at the half, but found it difficult to penetrate the stifling Las Vegas defense, which was strengthened by a conservative defensive game plan.

Finally, with 10 minutes left, the Slammers sent in a free kick from the midfield which bounced around dangerously in the Las Vegas box. Forward Analyssa Vasquez, who had just entered the game, took advantage and smashed the ball in goal for the 1-0 win.

It was a triumphant victory for Slammers FC. They played with an attacking mentality, they played to win; and they won. Las Vegas played conservatively for the tie; and they lost.

So Cal Blues came into the weekend of March 27 trailing Sereno White, Las Vegas Premier, and Breakaway in the race for the final playoff spot, but after winning four games and tying one over the past two weekends, they have reserved their spot in the round robin.

They beat South Sound SC Crush 1-0, Players SC 3-0 and Oregon Rush Nike 5-0 on March 27 and 28, and they beat San Diego Surf Blue 6-1 and tied Albion Premier 1-1 last weekend. Several players stood out in those five games.

Forwards Amber Munerlyn and Sydney Zuccolotto were goal-scoring machines. Kelly Fitzgerald, Mariah Slack and Kelly McCann were dynamic playmakers in the midfield. Kelsey Teixeira, Tara Kracy the entire Blues defense was very solid.

The Blues are perhaps the most talented team in the region, and as such, they found a way to climb into the round robin with solid performances over the past two weekends.

Next weekend, it gets interesting. With a berth in the Regional Championships up for grabs, the four teams in the round robin - Slammers FC, So Cal Blues, San Diego Surf White, and Albion Premier - will bring their best effort to the field.

We're excited for some high quality soccer, so stay tuned for the results.