The Richmond United U23 Women claimed the 2014 ECNL U23 National Championship on Monday, July 14 at West Creek in Richmond, beating McLean on penalty kicks (4-2) after battling to a 1-1 draw through overtime. Ashley Riefner scored the winning penalty to clinch Richmond United’s first ever title.
After a sluggish first half that included an hour long weather delay, the second half picked up with more opportunities for both teams as each squad found their rhythm. In the first overtime, McLean struck first off a corner kick where the ball was not cleared, spotting McLean to a 1-0 lead. In the last two minutes of the second overtime, Allison Bortell turned at the top of the box off a pass from Carter Blair, and curled a well placed shot into the right corner of the goal to equalize. The penalty shootout began with both squads making their first two attempts, before United goalkeeper, Caroline Kelly, saved the third McLean shot, and Bortell followed up with a penalty to give United a 3-2 lead. McLean’s fourth shooter shot wide left, before Riefner calmly stepped up to clinch the title.
“It was a wonderful experience working with these young ladies this summer,” commented Rob Ukrop, Richmond United Staff. “They challenged each other in training each week, and demonstrated great team spirit on and off the field. Most importantly, the ladies were great representatives of Richmond United in our community, and set a high standard for the fall season for our younger teams.”
This National Championship is the first ever for the Richmond region providing a glimpse into the possibilities of Richmond newest soccer collaboration, Richmond United. Richmond United is a new organization established by the Richmond Strikers and Richmond Kickers when the two clubs united their respective U.S. Soccer Development Academy programs. The model was replicated to accommodate a national level girls program that will participate in the ECNL. With over 50 years of combined operational experience and unassailable reputations for success on and off the field, the Richmond Kickers and Richmond Strikers will build upon the tradition of player development that is respected both regionally and nationally.
U23 Richmond United Roster 2014
Emma Newins – Georgetown
Caroline Kelly – VT
Ellen Forrest – JMU
Devin OBrien – UR
Blayne Fink – VT
Bri Klein – UNCA
Morgan Conklin – VT
Allison Bortell – JMU
Ellie Taylor – Coastal Carolina
Alyson Brown – NC State
Sydney Arnold – Marshall University
Ashley Williams – UR
Jorden Thornton – Duquense
Jennie Sroba – JMU
Ashley Riefner – UR
Ellie Sullivan – UR
Violet Miller – UR
Ashley Hogan – Washington and Lee
Sarah Schrader – Lynchburg College
Natalie Moik – University of Miami (FL)
Lauryn Hutchinson – VCU graduate
Katie Cousins – Tennessee (incoming 2015)
Alani Johnson – VT (incoming)
Lindsey Williams – UR (incoming)
Seeley Yoo – U17 player
Madi Conyers – VT (incoming)
Hannah Cornman – UR (incoming)
Abbie McIninch – Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Carter Blair – UR graduate
Coaching staff:
Celia Moser
Peter Nash
Rob Ukrop
