Kitsap Alliance Football Club’s U17 Girls team secured the first girls state title in program history, and second overall title.
“There’s no group that deserves this more,” coach Brandon Kluk said. “These girls have been playing together at a high level for a long time and have come just short on a few occasions, even as recently as losing in the state championship game last year. They used that feeling as motivation for the tournament this year, and it was amazing to watch them finally get to the top of this mountain.”
Kitsap Alliance will represent the state in the Far West Regional Championships in Honolulu, Hawaii June 20-27. The squad will face 11 other states along the West Coast for a spot at the US Youth Soccer National Championships in Orlando, FL July 23-28.
“This isn’t just an achievement for our team,” Kluk said. “It is an achievement for the club and for Kitsap County soccer.”
Kitsap Alliance battled in the state championships from April 13 to May 12. The squad finished second in their bracket with three wins against PacNW 07 Maroon, Eastside FC Red and Washington Premier FC White, and one loss to Seattle United Copa.
Kitsap Alliance survived the semifinals with a 3-2 (4-3 penalties) victory against Washington Premier Black. The team won the state title 2-0 against Black Hills Black.
“This success isn’t at all random,” Kluk said. “This is a talented group of players that have stayed together, worked hard and trusted the Kitsap Alliance FC program since their early playing days. We have a rock solid defense, and an offense that boasts multiple threats and balanced goal scoring.”
The girls heading to Hawaii include North Kitsap’s Sylenna Hogan and Andrea Zetty; Kingston’s Katie Collins and Tayen Munger; Central Kitsap’s Prestie Agana, Maleia Dayao, Mickie Kluk, Josephine Pryde, Ava Secrest and Cameron Tipper; Crosspoint’s Brooke Berens and Ali Gatlin; South Kitsap’s Sylvi Allen, Sierra DeFevers, Layla Eyre; and Gig Harbor’s Cailey Ridgeway.