The 92 TN Rush Memphis Kickers “Rock-On” at the 2010 John Tally Showcase.

(March 28, 2010) On a breezy, cold, and muggy weekend with soccer fields muddy and treacherous

the “92 TN Rush Memphis Kickers” roared through the 2010 John Tally Showcases’ U19 Girls France

Division without a single defeat. Not only did the 92’s end up undefeated after three games, they also

managed to shutout the competition heading into the semifinal game and leading up to the

Championship game Sunday afternoon.

The Championship Game pinned the “92 TN Rush Memphis Kickers” against the “92 Mississippi-

Fire” - though the Rush had earlier defeated the 92 Mississippi Fire in the tournament - this

Championship game proved to be a battle of attrition as both teams were forced to play with

deteriorating field conditions. The field slowed the pace of the final game down, while causing several

girls to slip and fall – and after two 30 minute halves (shortened due to field conditions) of scoreless

exhaustion, the two teams had to settle for a Penalty-Kick-Shootout.

The Rush got a big surprise just before the shootout though, in the form of massive cheer support from

two Irish boy’s teams who traveled to this tournament all the way from Ireland. The boys cheered

continuously from the sidelines with loud voices – chanting, and singing for the Rush, as well as

waving their Irish Flags.

Some how, when it comes to Penalty Kicks, this always seems to trigger a rise in nerves for soccer

players, but Not for the 92 Rush, there was only confidence especially in the abilities of their own

goalie “Julie Eckel”.

Julie managed to stop several shots to give the Rush an early comfortable lead in the penalty count –

but the lead would not hold long as the 92 Mississippi Fire would soon even things up. It would then

come down to wire and to the final two decisive plays of the game. Julie Eckel would need to stop a

Mississippi Fire Penalty kick, which she did, and the last 92 Rush Penalty kick would have to be put in

the net to win the game.

It all culminated into an unforgettable experience on that last penalty kick of the game – when it was

taken and put in by Hillary Dreyfus. This sealed the 6 – 5 win for the 92 TN Rush Memphis Kickers.

Soon after the last penalty shot, the Irish boys broke out in a dash towards the 92 TN Rush Memphis

Kickers while enveloping the girls in a mass circular celebration of victorious chants and dance that

likened that of a typical Celtic Celebration. This was truly an unforgettable moment for all the rush

Players.