Columbia United FC

Spring 2007 Academy Accomplishments

2007 Savannah Girls Rock Tournament

Columbia United FC U11 Girls East Blue won the U11/U12 division of the Savannah Girls Rock Tournament. Eight teams from three states were in the U11/U12 division. Our U11 girls went through to the finals undefeated having beaten the U12 Hinesville Gators (3-1), the Coastal Georgia Shockers (2-0), and the Atlanta Fire Gold (3-0). The other bracket was won by a very strong U10 team from GSA (Gwinnette County GA). Columbia United won the final 4-1 on the strength of a hat trick by Amber Tanner.

Katie Cousins scored in each game totaling 5 goals. Savannah Purvis scored three times and Savannah McCaskill scored once. Millie Womble was the assist leader with three. A sturdy defense allowed only one goal in the pace of play. The only other goal was on a PK in the final. The defense was anchored by Leanna Dwyer in the center, flanked by outstanding performances by Alex Baker, Skylar Tieben, Irina Briquet, and Katie Bell. The goal was ably defended by Grace Smith who made 15 saves (most in the final), organized the defense and started many attacks from the back.

After the win, Coach Joel Smith commented, "The team showed great mental toughness. We were down a goal in both the first game and in the final. The girls kept their composure and came back in both games. This is a great start for the our Academy’s spring season."

2007 Savannah Boys Rule Tournament

The U11 Elite Boys East team claimed the U11 Gold bracket championship at the Boys Rule Tournament hosted by Coastal Georgia Soccer Association in Savannah, GA, on January 27-28, 2007.

2007 Augusta Arsenal Spring Tournament

Columbia United 94 Boys Blue win

U13 Boys Silver Division

Playing up a division and playing 11v11, the 94 Boys Blue bring home a great win for Columbia United at the Augusta Arsenal Spring Tournament on February 10-11, 2007. This team came back from a tie in their first game of the tournament to win the remaining three games and clinch the title. Congratulations!

Columbia United 94 Girls Red win

U12 Girls Division

The 94 Girls Red bring home a great win for Columbia United at the Augusta Arsenal Spring Tournament on February 10-11, 2007. The team played great and scored 17 goals in their 4 matches. Congratulations!

2007 St. Patrick's Day Cup

A solid back line and excellent possession throughout the four matches limited their opponents to just two goals.

The spectacular defensive play of Kelsey Jones, Allyson Frame, Ramy Williams, and Alicia Albrecht dominated their side of field. A strong offensive Mid-Field consisting of Ellie Locke, Noe Williams and the corner kicks of Logan Humphries provided multiple scoring opportunities throughout the weekend.

Heading into the final game of the weekend the Columbia United 95 Girls Black were tied with the Charleston United 95 Girls White 29 to 29 points. During the course of a defense dominated game, Ashbrook Gwenn, Sarah Spang, and Sydney Marsh scored a goal a piece to secure the Championship and bring the trophy home to Columbia United.

The 95 Girls Black went 4-0 scoring 14 goals and the concrete Goal Keeping of Summer Tieben provided 3 shut outs. Under the direction of Coach Ben Wilson this is the first ever tournament win for the team.

Congratulation girls and coach on a job well done!!!

2007 Galaxy Shootout

In the picturesque mountains of North Carolina for the Galaxy Shootout, Columbia United 95 Boys Blue, under the leadership of Coach Greg Vallee, represented South Carolina with much skill, determination and heart. As one of only three teams from South Carolina out of 110, the team had decisive victories against North Carolina teams hailing from Hickory , Greensboro and Jamestown . Outscoring the competition 24 goals to 1, the team came away with the championship medals and was the talk of the tournament. Way to Go Boys! You represented us well!

2007 Charleston Select Shootout

The Columbia United 95 Girls Blue won their second tournament of the 2007 season in Charleston on Feb. 24-25, 2007. The Charleston Select Shootout, Sponsored by Charleston United Soccer Club, featured many of the best teams in the Lowcountry.

Our girls won 2-0,12-0, 7-1, and 3-0. Savannah McCaskill and Katie Cousins each had 5 goals. Amber Tanner and Savannah Purvis has 3 each. Millie Womble, Irina Briquet, and Katie Bell had each scored twice. Goals were also scored by Skylar Tieben and Leanna Dwyer. Again a stout defense, including Grace Smith in the goal, Alex Baker, Skylar Tieben, Leanna Dwyer, Irina Briquet, Katie Bell and almost everyone else was almost impossible to breach.

The team recieved high praise from referees, opposing coaches and tournament officials. "The team has shown great improvement in comunication and team shape since the Savannah tournament. " said Coach Joel Smith. "We are playing as a team and supporting each other all over the field."

The girls start their 2007 regular season this week 9-0 in preseason tournaments and friendlies, with a 37-3 goal differential.