Scorpions 2007 ECNL team claimed the ECNL National Championship in San Diego this year after winning all four games at ECNL Playoffs in their showcase division!

After posting a 11-5-5 regular season record in League and Showcase ECNL games, the Scorpions 2007 got off to a very quick and promising start to their national campaign to finish their championship season 15-5-5. 

5-0 win vs Boise Thorns 

The team came out and showed their intensity from minute one which laid the foundation work for their later on in the tournament. Winning their 50/50 tackles, imposing their attack onto the other team, and limiting their opportunities in transition. The 07’s created multiple chances and were very efficient in front of net to cruise to a comfortable win to start the weekend.

Kelly O’Connor / willow Forbes smith 

Mollyana McGuire / Nina Mathelus 

Brenda Murphy / Nina Mathelus 

Tatum O’Brien 

Nina Mathelus 

Shutouts by Maddie parrot and Elizabeth Feeney

1-0 win vs South Carolina United 

Scorpions started on the front foot again by dominating from minute one with their intensity and purposeful attack, creating multiple chances in the early stages of the game. The games only goal came 20 minutes into the first half as Anja Johnson laid off a ball to oncoming outside back Taylor Devos, who cut inside and hit a top corner strike on goal. As the second half began, Scorpions maintained their dominance and if it wasn’t for the outstanding performance by the South Carolina keeper, the opposing team would’ve been out of the game. Chance by chance, South Carolina maintained their discipline and provided some late scares, but Scorpions held onto their 1-0 win to advance into the tournaments Semi Finals. 

Lone goal by Taylor Devos, assisted by Anja Johnson. 

Shutouts by Maddie parrot and Elizabeth Feeney 

5-0 win vs FC Delco 

After playing FC Delco to a very difficult 1-1 draw down at ECNL NJ, Scorpions knew the threats that Delco provided on the counter, but managed to nullify most of those attacks by going up two goals in the first 10 minutes of the game. 

Nina Mathelus was scorer of both early goals, the first she was sprung to goal by Mollyana McGuire, who neatly finished by chipping the goalie from 25 yards out. The second was created by Taylor Devos by cutting in as an outside back and releasing a 30 yard shot against the cross bar, for only Nina to tap in the rebound to go 2-0 up. 

The backline was phenomenal in all the games but was especially spectacular in this semi final game where they had to deal with some tricky and fast forwards from FC Delco. The third goal came just before half time as Brenda Murphy headed down a pass to lead Kelly O’connor unmarked at the top of the box for a half volley that ensured Scorpions was 3-0 up at half time. 

To begin the half, Kelly O’Connor crossed the ball the the top of the box for Nina Mathelus to volley home the fourth of the game, her third of the match. Nina then became the provider by setting up the fifth and final goal for Mollyana McGuire. A lovely team build up goal which led Mollyana in on the goalie 1v1, which she calmly rounded the keeper to seal an emphatic 5-0 semi final win. It was the most complete game the team has played from defense to offense, while being as clinical as they have ever been this year in front of net. A perfect game. 

2-1 national final vs Cleveland Force

With the wind and confidence at their back after the last game, Scorpions again started on the front foot pinning Cleveland down inside their own half. Multiple chances came and went before the first goal but it was only fitting for a special goal to open the scoring in a National Final.  

After a clearance to the top of the box from a corner kick, Willow Forbes Smith smashed a volley just under the crossbar and in, from 20 yards out. It was amazing strike that was fitting for a national final. Shortly after, with the confidence of the first goal in our minds, Scorpions again won the ball in the midfield and Tatum O’Brien sprung Nina Mathelus in on goal for her then to square the ball on the goal line for an inevitable second goal. Heading into half time, Scorpions were high on confidence and comfortable in their approach. 

The second half brought changes however, as Cleveland changed their shape to be more attacking and did very well at keeping Scorpions pinned in their own half with the wind now at their back. At times, Scoprions still had a few breaks that led to chances on goal, but Cleveland remained strong and finally found a chance to turn and shoot to get one back. With 30 minutes left, the game became about grit and determination to maintain the lead, stay disciplined defensively, and capitalize on Scorpions ability to transition moments forward through our midfield and forwards. As always, Scorpions defended extremely well inside their box, with our experienced defenders and midfield leading the way. Scorpions did very well at keeping everything in front of them throughout, but the oncoming pressure from Cleveland is what lead to nervous final few minutes before the final whistle blew and Scorpions prevailed 2-1 winners and National Champions!

Head Coach and Scorpions DOC Evan Burokas reflected on the entire showcase and his teams ability to improve each year. 

“This entire year you could always see that this team had a special character about them. They have talented players no doubt, in all areas of the team, but the determination and intent to win games when it mattered most is what really resonated with me after coaching them this year. In the toughest league games, against the best teams, this team found a way to compete, to be efficient with their chances, and to use the teams strengths to the best of their abilities. 

I’ve been coaching this group for 4 years, and we always preach the idea of training / playing with the right intent, behaviors and attitude. If you do that for 4 years, and you focus on the little things, big things will take care of themselves. 

These 4 games at ECNL nationals will be games we will always remember because the girls approached each game with clear intent to compete and win. And when you see them doing that, for four games in a row, there aren’t many teams that can beat them. 

The goalkeepers were both amazing and helped us stay disciplined at the back while minimizing opportunities for the other team. Maddie parrot and Elizabeth Feeney 

Back line was as consistent as ever. Winning their challenges, connecting the back line and the midfield line in transition, and ensuring we only conceded one goal all week. 

Midfielders did what they did all season, outworked the other team defensively and showcased their talent and skill in transition by linking play into the final third with either a killer pass, or with a chance on goal themselves. Couldn’t have asked for anymore from those players. 

And the forwards were as efficient as ever. We would sometimes either not create enough chances during the year, or we would create a lot, but not finish them. To score 13 goals in 4 games at ecnl playoffs is extraordinary and it was amazing to see all of them connecting in the final third. 

In ending, I told the girls before the final to be grateful for this opportunity. Win or lose, recognize what they have accomplished this year and in years past because I know all too well that this game will inevitably teach and give our players / us coaches more than we could ever give it.”