Local FC Alliance U-13 girls to Nationals
After winning the state championship, FC Alliance 2010G ECNL-RL played in the regional tournament in Greeneville, South Carolina, where it won a spot to compete in the USYS Nationals Friday through Tuesday, July 7–11, in Wichita, Kansas.
Most of the 16-member team — which plays out of Alliance Park between Hardin Valley and Karns — is comprised of West Knox County residents, including Emilia Turcios of Farragut. Her father, Will Turcios, is assistant head coach.
“Our team is Division 2 U-13 that also plays in the girls top national league in the country, ECNL/RL girls, along Tennessee State League for USYS,” he said. “They have faced a lot of adversity this season, but getting to USYS Nationals has been a rollercoaster, with a quarterfinal win in double overtime, a semi-final win in a PK shootout after a double overtime and another PK shootout win in the State Finals.
“At the regionals, we lost 2-3 in the finals in double overtime but still won a bid to nationals,” Turcios added.
“The last time the club sent a U-13 girls team to Nationals was back in 2009.”
As for the grind, “Playing five games straight is not easy, so the coaches, club and families are all proud of their accomplishments,” he said.
Turcios said the set-up at Nationals for the Division 2 U-13 girls “will consist of two four-team brackets. Each bracket will play a round-robin the first three days. “The two top teams will advance to semi-finals and, if advancing, to finals on July 11.”
The team, also coached by Kable Nunnally, is busy fundraising in advance of the Nationals trip.
“We would love any help the community can offer,” Turcios said. “We have different ways they can support but best way to help is through a Give Butter account. Anyone wishing to donate that way may text ‘letsgofc’ to 53555, and they will receive a donation link, or they may visit https://givebutter.com/fcalliancenationals or on its Facebook page, https://m.facebook.com/FCAlliance2010GRL.”
Additionally, “Out team manager, Maria Haun, has been amazing, and we are also looking for sponsorship from businesses and we would love to add company logos to our training shirt by reaching out to her at 865-312-0712 or mhaun09@gmail.com.”
