Fire & Ice Soccer Club Crowned WPSL Champions
Fire & Ice SC were crowned WPSL Champions after edging Gulf Coast Texans led by Kelsey Dinges at the SilverLakes Sports Complex. FISC also won the Central Division Championship for the second time in franchise history as the 2017 WPSL campaign comes to a close.
WPSL Soccer News: The 2017 Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) Championships concluded recently as Fire & Ice Soccer Club (FISC) returned home with its first title following a competitive weekend in Norco, CA.
“I am extremely proud of what this group of ladies accomplished this year,” said Owner and head coach Lindsay Eversmeyer. “They worked hard from the moment we began training in May, played every game with a lot of heart and fight for one another, and did whatever it took to be successful. This team is definitely special in more ways than one!”
“Congratulations to Fire & Ice SC, this is a great victory for the team and shows their hard work and determination,” said WPSL Commissioner Jerry Zanelli.
Championship weekend was held at the SilverLakes Sports Complex in the Inland Empire, which has turned into a hub for youth, amateur and professional matches.
FISC faced off against the Gulf Coast Texans in the WPSL Final held on Sunday afternoon. The Texans scored early in the first half when a clearance out of FISC’s defensive third was deflected by a Gulf Coast player, putting her into a 1v1 situation with goalkeeper, Kindra Lierz.
RELATED COVERAGE: 2017 WPSL CHAMPIONSHIP
FISC drew a penalty kick late in the first half when a ball was played into Kelsey Dinges and a Gulf Coast Texans’ player collided with her from the back. Dinges recorded her first of the night from the penalty spot in the 38th minute.
The second half was a battle until the 68th minute when Tara Sullivan played a ball to Dinges who finished the attempt to record her brace. The last 22 minutes was a battle, but Gulf Coast could not record the equalizer.
“It was such a special experience winning the WPSL national championship with FISC this summer,” said Kailey Utley, Fire & Ice SC captain. “We had a team filled with a lot of heart. We never stopped believing in ourselves and each other. I am so thankful I was able to be a part of such a great program!”
Evermeyer’s side was the 11th champion over the course of 11 years as the level of competition continues to be raised across the United States.
