U-13 soccer squad captures a coveted championship

By Shaun Scott • January 3, 2018 1:31 pm
Photo courtesy of Kelly Galloway The U-13 Issaquah FC Hot Tamales girls soccer team captured the Washington Recreational Cup courtesy of a 2-0 victory against Harbor Youth Soccer Club U-13 Crushers on Dec. 9 at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila.
Photo courtesy of Kelly Galloway The U-13 Issaquah FC Hot Tamales girls soccer team captured the Washington Recreational Cup courtesy of a 2-0 victory against Harbor Youth Soccer Club U-13 Crushers on Dec. 9 at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila.

A dominant defense combined with a prolific offense propelled the U-13 Issaquah FC Hot Tamales girls soccer team to a championship on the soccer pitch.

The Hot Tamales earned a 2-0 victory against the Harbor Youth Soccer Club (Aberdeen) Crushers in the Washington State Recreational Cup title game on Dec. 9 at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila. Tamales players Anna Schulz and Jasymn Rayburn each scored a goal in the championship contest.

The Hot Tamales completely dominated postseason play en route to the title. They compiled an overall record of 4-0 at districts and had an overall record of 3-0 at the state tournament. The Hot Tamales outscored their opponents 16-0 in seven playoff games.

Hot Tamales head coach Corey Prutzman, who has guided the squad for the past five seasons, said capturing first place was a big achievement for his squad.

“It is a really special group of girls. They are dedicated, they work hard, they are respectful and most importantly they just have fun,” Prutzman said. “They understand the concept of what it means to be a team. They’re always there to support each other. I couldn’t be more proud.”

The Hot Tamales team roster consisted of Ashley Allison, Ella Bode, Helen Daw, Elena Friedl, Elliot Glasse, Ella Ketcham, Riley Newton, Ava Oskouian, Taylor Prutzman, Sofia Romig, Lily Sparks, Azra Sunderland, Danneka Towne, Mackenzie White, Kyra Yoshimura, Rayburn and Schulz.

Prutzman was proud to see his cohesive team attain a goal they set out for in early season practice sessions.

“We set a goal out at the beginning of the season and then to watch them put all of the effort in and achieve it, it was a special moment,” he said. “It was just something else to see them do al the hard work and experience it. It was a great moment for everyone to be able to experience.”