RUSHslc in its inaugural year went through typical growing pains:  crazy travel schedules, roster changes, ill-fitting uniforms, etc but some things remained constant:   the player's dedication to excellence and a love of the game.   This roster of 24 players trained every week, three times per week in their drive to become division champions.

A more perfect setting for a final game couldn't be imagined, RUSHslc playing instate rivals, Utah Spiders, each with a chance to win the division championship with a victory.    With over 50 Division I players (past, present, and future) represented on both rosters the game was sure to be a great game to watch.

The grassy hillside at RUSH's home field was filled with over 500 fans.   Each fan walked away from that game with a smile on their face.    This match held all the elements of a classic rivalry … intense physical play, hard fouls, brilliant goals, and a red card ejection to top it all off.

The scoring got going with a very technically clean goal by RUSH's Erin Foote.   Erin comes to RUSHslc from Winthrop University, the champions of the Big South Conference.    Erin's goal was especially satisfying because of recent near misses that had been plaguing this young star.    Erin has great timing and works extremely hard on the field, a great combination that makes her a crowd favorite.

Local soccer standout Erin Dalley, who is bound for the University of Utah in the fall, scored the second goal off a brilliantly quick restart from goalkeeper Dimi Polous.   The ball having gone out of bounds for a goalkick, Dimi quickly put the ball back into play with a short pass to defender Dana Peart.   Dana realizing she had the advantage while the Spiders players were unaware of the restart, drove hard down the sidelines.    Her pass into Dalley was perfect and Erin was calmly able to put the ball in the back of the net with a world-class finish.

Everything seemed to be going RUSH's way when defender Ashley Wood-Milliron was red-carded in the middle of the second half.    This put the RUSH team down one player (to ten), a very dangerous position to be in.    However, the RUSH players rose to the occasion and allowed the potent Spiders offense only one goal which came off of a free kick play.

The game was well played by both teams, but one can only imagine what the future holds for the RUSHslc team as they get better over the next years.

The RUSHslc teams strives to train year-round and those that are interested in this opportunity to train at a high level need to contact Becky Hogan at becky@utahrush.com   …  we will be engaging in several year-round playing opportunities including adult leagues, indoor, tournaments, training and doing player clinics.    Anyone who has played at the highest level will tell you that you must stay 12 months fit –this is a physical and mental state of mind.

Finally, thank you to all the fans and your wonderful support of this new team.   We will be out in the community throughout the year, so please check the website frequently for team events.    www.utahrush.com