After battling through injuries and illnesses to a 0-3 start, the Garnet Valley Renegades reeled off five straight regular season wins against tough opponents in “must-win” situations to make the playoffs.  In the semi-final playoff round, the Renegades prevailed 1-0 against a very talented and well-coached Wilson Junior Chaos team from Berks County.  After battling to a scoreless tie in the first half, the Renegade’s Catherine Kutys scored on a nice left-footed shot with about 12 minutes remaining in the second half.  Rachel Guy assisted on the goal.  The following day (Sunday, November 15th), the Renegades completed their amazing run by beating a very physical West-Mont Blue Crush team in the finals.  After missing on several close shots in the first half and giving up a goal in the final minute, the Renegades, down 0-1, took the field in the second half determined to capture the league title.  Pressuring the ball and playing excellent team soccer, momentum shifted in the Renegades favor.  With less than 3 minutes to go in regulation, Julia DiMarco received a nice thru ball, played by Haley Warden, broke away from the defenders and lifted her shot just over the out-stretched fingertips of the West-Mont keeper for the equalizer.  After two scoreless overtime periods the game came down to penalty kicks.   When Courtney Smith scored on the fifth and final kick, with other made PK’s by Brooke Gottlieb and Haley Warden, Garnet Valley held a two goal advantage, earning the girls the PAGS division 1 championship.  Maris Hayes, the Garnet Valley keeper, made three excellent saves – yielding only one penalty kick score to West-Mont.  

Since starting 0-3, the team went undefeated in their last ten games, including three tournament games in Cape May, NJ.  In that time, the girls scored 18 goals, while only allowing three.  Our team was comprised of Goalies- Maris Hayes and Justine Piraino who also played in the field when not in goal.  Defensive backs- Katie Keyser, Amanda Olsen, Samantha Amicone, Lindsay Biondy.  Defensive midfielders- Christine Kavanagh & Rachel Guy.  Midfield/Forwards- Haley Warden, Julia DiMarco, Alexandra Dubnansky, Brooke Gottlieb, Catherine Kutys, Courtney Smith, Alyssa Blair.  Every one of these talented, young athletes made important contributions throughout the season that made this championship run possible.  Coaches and parents alike are very proud of this group of young ladies who have developed into good soccer players, but more so, great teammates who demonstrated what can be accomplished through hard work, commitment, belief one’s self and belief in one’s teammates.