Midfielder Rachelle House had the first assist in Saturday’s win over Cougars. The assist is House’s second of the season.

LA Hotspur (3-0-3 overall, 3-0-2 league) nears the halfway point of the season, notching a win and two losses in the last week and a half of play. The Spurs, who earned a win and a tie in conference  play, also traveled to Santa Clarita last Saturday to scrimmage The Master’s College in a non-league friendly.

In the match, The Master’s College posted a 5-0 win over the Spurs in 105 degree heat. Though the Spurs collected semi-professional guest players Kelsey Gudgeon and Master’s alum Bobbie Roberts to assist the side during the match, the side was unable to patch together a convincing attack and managed to only nab a few lone shots from long range. Conversely, The Master’s College put Hotspur under constant attack, giving the Spurs much time to work on its defensive cohesion.

For the Spurs, the scrimmage was the second of the day as the Hotspur side had matched up in a league game against Cougars (1-1-3) earlier that morning. In the morning game, the Spurs beat Cougars in a decisive 3-0 victory, with defender Hillary Tribbs leading the helm with an early goal just minutes into play.

Tribbs’ goal came when outside midfielder Rachelle House collected a loose ball near the top of the 18. House turned and dropped the ball back to the open Tribbs, who fired a one-time shot on net. The low strike burned past the keeper into the back of the net to put the Spurs up by one.

The remainder of the half remained scoreless, but the Spurs retained possession and continued to put shots on net. In the second half, Hotspur scored again when outside midfielder Lindsey Moss won the ball near the endline. After stripping a Cougars defender of the ball, Moss cut the ball back and fired the ball on net for the Spurs’ second goal of the match.

With less than 15 minutes left to play, Hotspur converted one last goal, this time care of forwards Catherine Davila and Ashleigh Garmon. The forward duo combined to put the goal together when Garmon slotted Davila on a through ball. Davila raced to beat the Cougars defense and slipped the ball past the keeper to bring the score to 3-0.

Seven days prior, the Spurs fell to league rivals Spitfire (5-0-0) who earned a victory over Hotspur in a 1 p.m. match. In the game, Spitfire first went on the board off a Hotspur own goal. The Spurs quickly returned the favor, however, when midfielder Brittney Watson sent a ball to Davila, who scored on a blistering strike to tie the game at ones.

The teams entered the second half tied 1-1, but a Hotspur injury left the side wanting for a subs, and the side were forced to play the remainder of the game with just ten healthy players. Despite a valiant effort, the Spurs then allowed four goals in the second half and the game ended with Spitfire emerging the winners by a 5-1 decision.

Hotspur look for another win as it returns to the pitch next weekend to play The Purple Team (0-1-4). The match will bring the front of the season to a close, and Hotspur, currently ranked second, will aim to go undefeated in the second half of the season in an effort to rise to the top of the league.

Outside Middie Becca Bullard buried two balls into the back of the net to carry the Spurs to a 2-1 comeback win over The Purple Team on Saturday.

LA Hotspur (2-0-1) overcame The Purple Team (0-1-2) today in a come-from-behind win, in part made possible by two killer strikes from the deadly left foot of outside midfielder Becca Bullard.

Bullard now has four goals in three games, and leads the team in points with nine.

The Spurs, who started the game in control of the possession, went down by one when The Purple Team managed to convert an opportunity against the run of play. Unaffected by the early goal, Hotspur continued to retain possession of the ball, passing around the perimeters and finding chances on net.

The Spurs started the second half down by one but their fate quickly changed when forward Oriana Nierojewski sent a long cross from the right side of the pitch. The ball sailed over the heads of the opposing team’s defense and keeper, and outside middie Becca Bullard blazed in from the far side, slamming the ball into the back of the net to tie the game at one’s.

Hotspur’s second goal was not far off. This time it was outside midfielder Rachelle House that set up Bullard. Similar to the previous goal, House gained possession on the right side of the pitch and sent a cross-field ball that found the feet of Bullard, who tapped it into the net for the finish.

On the defensive side, keeper Brittany Parker made a pair of crucial second-half saves to protect Hotspur’s lead.  The defense did well to smother most of The Purple Team’s attacking opportunities before they manifested into dangerous attacks, and the midfield moved the ball quickly to maintain possession.

The Spurs return to the pitch in a week, when the side will face league frontrunners Spitfire (3-0-0).

Back row, left to right: Lindsey Moss, Nicole McGuire, Gretchen Miller, Brittany Gonzales, Ashleigh Garmon, Rachelle House, Becca Bullard, Brittany Parker. Bottom row, left to right: Kelly Buck, Catherine Davila, Molly Casanova, Hillary Tribbs, Alli Griffin, Oriana Nierojewski

In last Saturday’s playoff championship match, LA Hotspur (9-0-3) fell to league rivals Spitfire (12-0-0) by a 5-2 deficit.

Spitfire started the match with guns blazing, putting away three goals in the first 45 minutes of play.

In the second half, the Spurs fought back with resilience, getting a point on the board when center middie Lindsey Moss dropped the ball back to teammate Kelly Buck. On receipt of the ball, Buck struck a rocket from a distance, and the keeper had little to do but watch as the ball blazed past her into the back of the net.

Hotspur scored again on an effort from forward Ashleigh Garmon, who collected the ball and again, chose to nail a shot from outside. The ball traveled the distance and blasted into the back of the net, with Spitfire’s keeper unable to answer.

The two goals were not enough as Spitfire was also able to find the net twice again in the second half.

The Spurs look forward to next season, which kicks off on July 14th.

In the new season, B division champs Cougars enter the A league to compete with returning A competitors Loser Buys, The Purple Team, Hotspur and Spitfire.

Playoff History

This will be the Spurs’ fourth consecutive season entering post-season play. In the past 4 seasons, Hotspur have thrice played in the championship match, but have yet to secure the title.

The two sides now face off in the post seasons for the third time in four seasons.  The teams first squared off in Fall 2010, when Hotspur beat Spitfire in the semifinals.

Later, in the Spring of 2011, the Spurs lost to Spitfire in the quarterfinals.

Since Fall 2010, the Spurs’ official first stat-keeping season, neither team has won the playoff championship. Therefore, this weekend’s derby will be a historical match in that one of the two sides will capture its first league championship in over two years (previous history unknown).

Team Matchup History

In the past four seasons, Hotspur and Spitfire have squared off ten times, resulting in four wins per team and two draws. In match history, Hotspur have the scoring advantage, having scored 15 goals to Spitfire’s 12.

Historically, Mary Ronau and Becca Bullard have logged the most points against Spitfire. In ten games, Ronau has totaled 12 points including five goals and two assists and Bullard has tallied 11 points, of which four were goals and three were assists.

Oriana Nierojewski and Catherine Davila are also repeat point-earners against Spitfire, as both players have two goals and two assists in team matchup history.

Scoring Threats

With a team total of 43 goals so far this season, Hotspur has established its knack for scoring and ability to score from anywhere on the pitch. And, as defender Brittney Watson demonstrated last week, any of the Spurs’ versatile players can score, and repeatedly, when provided the opportunity.

Scoring threats Gretchen Miller, Ashleigh Garmon, and Bullard, all tied for second in scoring with 17 points so far this season, are each likely players to tally a finish in this weekend’s high-profile match against Spitfire.

Also not to be discounted are Rachelle House and Davila, each of whom have repeatedly proven her ability to notch the game-winner in hotly contested, high-pressure matches.

Season Stats

On the season, Hotspur have scored 43 goals to Spitfire’s 40.

So far this season, both teams have also proven difficult to score against.

Spitfire have conceded just three goals while Hotspur have allowed seven.

But of the Spurs’ seven allowances, just four have passed through the steely pipes while keeper Brittany Parker has had jurisdiction.

And ever since international defender Nierojewski has returned from overseas, the Hotspur defense has reunited in full, resulting in the allowance of just one goal in the last four games. On her return, Nierojewski joined defenders Brittany Gonzales, Hillary Tribbs, Lauren Johnson and Stef Chan to make the defensive wall complete.

So far this season, Spitfire has scored thrice against Hotspur, but Spitfire have only been able to find the back of the net once with powerhouse Parker tending the net.

On the season, the Spurs have scored on Spitfire just once. That goal came by way of Catherine Davila, with Hillary Tribbs and Kelly Buck credited with assisting the effort.

Hotspur Season Stats:

In 11 games, Hotspur have a total of five shutouts..

If an opponent scored 1 goal or less in a game against the Spurs, Hotspur won 88% of the time.

Hotspur’s goals-against average is .6 per game, down .3 goals per game from last season.

The Spurs goals-for average is 3.9 goals per game, up approximately 1.7 goals per game from last season.

Hotspur hoists the game’s top point-earner and bride-to-be into the air.

LA Hotspur FC (7-2) notched its third consecutive win last Saturday in a 7-0 victory over Loser Buys (2-1-6).  The Hotspur bench was full and there was an air of excitement on the pitch, as the side highly anticipated the nights coming nuptials between midfielder Catherine Davila and her (then fiance) Matt Gulley. Davila, who would later wed in a beautiful ceremony in downtown Los Angeles, spent her morning logging two goals and two assists, making her the highest point-earner on the day. Other goal-scorers of the day were Ashleigh Garmon, Brittany Gonzales, Lindsey Moss and Becca Bullard.

The Spurs first goal came by way of forward Garmon. Defender Hillary Tribbs played a long ball towards the net, which a Loser Buys defender attempted to clear with her head. But the clear was not decisive enough and Garmon collected the ball before lofting a calm volley on net. The ball found the upper V of the far post, and Hotspur gained the 1-nil lead, which it retained for the rest of the half.

In the second half, the Spurs would find the net six more times. First, Garmon delivered a corner kick across the front of the net which defender Gonzales attacked with a vengeance. Gonzales hammered the ball into the back of the net with her head, bringing the lead to two.

The buildups for the third and fourth goals were near mirror-images of each other. In the third goal, Davila got the ball on the outside right side of the field and found forward Mary Ronau on the run towards the corner flag. Ronau then dribbled the ball towards the endline and dropped it back for midfielder Moss who buried it in the back of the net. In the fourth goal, Davila again got the ball on the wing and found Ronau running through. This time, when Ronau dropped the ball back in front of the net it was outside midfielder Bullard who knocked the ball into the back of the net for a score.

The fifth goal of the game was an own goal off a corner kick. Ronau sent the ball across the front of the net and a Loser Buys defender hit the ball with her chest, sending  it into the back of the net.

The final two  goals of the game both belonged to Davila. First, Garmon played Davila on a through ball. Davila beat the defense and soundly played the ball into the back of the net. Later, Davila again beat the defense, dribbling the ball towards net. But Davila’s run was interrupted when she was pulled down in the penalty box. The ref whistled the foul and the Spurs were awarded with a penalty kick. Davila pummeled it into the back of the net, giving the Spurs a seven goal lead with what would be the last goal of the game.

In addition to the team’s strong attack, Hotspur also dominated possession, winning 50-50 balls in the defense and center of the field, and knocking the ball around with confidence. Keeper Alyssa Congdon controlled the defensive line and helped to keep the defensive line’s organization in order.

Davila blazes past the Loser Buys defensive line.

Congdon snags a loose ball, thwarting one of Loser Buys’ few chances on net.

Gonzales knocks the ball on-net with her head.

Miller takes a chance on net.

Bullard pushes past the defense.

Buck delivers a well-placed through ball to the front line.

Tribbs finds the feet of her teammate while under pressure.

Top row, left to right: Alyssa Congdon, Flora Guilbat, Stef Chan, Lindsey Moss, Tani Toprakci, Ashleigh Garmon, Brittney Watson, Brittany Gonzales, Kelly Buck, Gretchen Miller. Bottom row, left to right: Brittany Parker, Becca Bullard, Lauren Johnson, Nicole McGuire, Hillary Tribbs, Catherine Davila, Oriana Nierojewski, Mary Ronau.

Top row, left to right: Ashleigh Garmon, Lindsey Moss, Nicole McGuire, Megan Casanova, Dee Vela, Brittany Parker, Shannon Wahl, Tani Toprakci, Flora Guilbat, Rachelle House, Oriana Nierojewski, Becca Bullard. Bottom row, left to right: Brittney Watson, Kelly Buck, Molly Casanova, Mary Ronau, Catherine Davila, Lauren Johnson, Brittany Gonzales, Gretchen Miller, Hillary Tribbs.

The newly married couple!!

It wouldn’t be a Hotspur wedding without a soccer ball on the dance floor.

LA Hotspur FC (6-0-2) defeated league rivals The Purple Team (4-1-3) for the second time this season.

The Spurs took the lead early in the first half when defender Alli Griffin won the ball on the right side of the pitch and sent a well-timed through ball to forward Mary Ronau. The forward beat the defense with her run, turned to collect the ball and sent a first time strike that skipped under the keeper and found the side netting of the far post. Hotspur maintained a one goal advantage for the remainder of the first half. Led by a strong defensive group that collectively won 50-50 balls and midfielders who distributed with composure, the Spurs allowed little opportunities on net for their opponents.

In the second half, The Purple Team had its first real chance of the game when defender Oriana Nierojewski was whistled for handling the ball in the box. The inadvertent play did not draw a card, but The Purple Team would still have a chance from the spot. The Purple Team’s penalty kicker hit a well placed ball into the back of the net, leaving keeper Brittany Parker with little to do to prevent the score.

The game now tied at one’s, Hotspur continued to press offensively, resulting in a corner kick from the right side of the pitch. Ronau sent the kick across the net towards the head of defender Brittany Gonzales, who was positioned far post and ready to knock the ball into the back of the net. But she would never see the ball as Nierojewski, fueled perhaps by post-PK hunger, blazed into the path of the ball, sprung into the air and hammered the ball into the back of the net in an incredible act of athleticism and desire.

Just five minutes after conceding a goal, the Spurs had regained the lead.

But the referee seemed discontent to let the side in green win the match, and minutes later he once again let his whistle sound from inside the confines of the Hotspur penalty box.

The center official saw fit to award yet another penalty to The Purple Team, this time for a foul committed near the edge of the box. A Purple Team attacker was dribbling the ball away from the net, towards the corner flag, when a Hotspur defender won the ball and played it upfield. The Purple Team attacker, though hardly touched by the player in green, managed to fall hard to the pitch, eliciting a call from the man in stripes.

The Purple Team sent the same kicker to the spot, hoping for a repeat of earlier events. But Parker lined up on the goal line, taunted the kicker with a knowing look and cheeky smile, and leaned her body in the direction the kicker had previously shot. The psychological battle was won by the Spurs’ keeper, and the kicker sent an unsure ball not far from the center of the net. Parker pounced on the ball, quelling The Purple Team’s attempt to tie the match.

With fifteen minutes left to play, the Spurs put another point on the board, pushing the game even further from the hands of their opposition.

Forward Ashleigh Garmon won the ball on the left side of the field and played it in the air to Ronau. Ronau collected the ball, turned and took an explosive touch past the defense, putting herself into a one vs. one situation with the keeper. When The Purple Team’s keeper came out to make a play on the ball, Ronau passed the ball near post for the easy point.

With six wins under its belt, the Hotspur side look forward to its final two matches of league play.

The Spurs return to action on June 2nd at 8:30 a.m. when they’ll take on Loser Buys at John Ferraro. Hotspur is slated to take on Lady Killers on Salesian in their final match of league play.

Due to rainout conflicts earlier in the season, the playoff schedule is still pending.

Spitfire scored the first goal of the match in the first 15 minutes of play, after a Hotspur injury and subsequent substitution change. As the Spurs were reorganizing, a midfielder for the opposing side beat her defender and attacked the open space toward the net. She let the ball fly from the 18 and the ball sailed into the back of the net to give Spitfire the lead.

The Spurs were not deterred; however, and spent the rest of the half fighting to equalize. Hotspur finally put a point on the board on after a textbook series of passes that led up to a goal. Midfielder Kelly Buck played the ball to forward Gretchen Miller, who played the ball through to Catherine Davila. The midfielder received the ball on the run and found the back of the net with a blistering strike.

On the game, Hotspur would dominate much of the possession, but Spitfire was the side that would eventually earn the win. Spitfire’s second goal came off a corner kick. Spitfire first earned a corner kick that defender Brittany Gonzales cleared off the line with her head. The play resulted in a subsequent corner kick, one that was delivered across the net and into the upper right hand corner.

Down 2-1, the  Spurs continued to fight but were unable to score another goal.

With just minutes left to play, Spitfire stopper Kim Ye fouled Hotspur’s Lindsey Moss. After the referee whistled the foul, Ye, who had already earned an earlier yellow card, reacted by spitting at the ref. The violation resulted in an immediate red card and Ye was ordered to leave the premises. In addition to a $50 fine, Ye has been banned from the league for the remainder of the season.

The Spurs, who have received zero cards this season, left the field with dignity intact, and look forward to next week’s match up against West Hollywood United where they will continue to play hard while housing their spit securely on the insides of their mouths.

Hotspur’s first goal came when midfielder Kelly Buck slotted a through ball to forward Gretchen Miller who then nailed the ball into the back of the net. The next three goals also came by the feet of Miller, who netted 4 goals and recorded two assists on the day. The goals were generated by outside midfielder Becca Bullard, who repeatedly dribbled the ball down the endline and sent driving shots on net. Each time, the keeper managed to get her hands on the ball, but was unable to contain Bullard’s powerful strikes. Picking up on the keeper’s weakness, Miller charged the net on each of Bullard’s shots, and was able to bury the ball repeatedly to help the Spurs gain a greater advantage.

But Bullard would also have her own goals on the day! Bullard scored two goals total in the match, starting with the Spurs 5th goal, which was assisted by forward Dee Vela. Vela also had a hand in the sixth goal of the game, assisting midfielder Nicole McGuire who scored with a driving shot from long range.

Hotspur’s seventh goal of the game came by way of a corner kick. Miller lined drove the ball across the center of the net and defender Brittany Gonzales charged the ball, heading it cleanly into the back of the net.

The Spurs struck goal again with Bullard’s second goal of the game, a beautifully constructed play starting from Miller. Miller passed the ball to Hillary Tribbs who then sent the ball through to Bullard, who then drove the ball past the keeper for the eighth goal of the game.

Hotspur’s final goal was generated by Bullard, who played the ball to Tribbs. Having just assisted, the defender was ready for a goal of her own. She blasted the ball past the keeper for what would be the final point of the game.

With just 15 minutes left in the match, Ladykillers asked to end the game due to severe heat. The referee blew the whistle to end the match and Hotspur ended the victors by a margin of nine.

Lindsey Moss and Tribbs split time in the net for the Spurs during the first half of the game, and in the second half, Vela tended net.

The win is Hotspur’s 4th of the season, and the Spurs are now on a four game win streak. The side will seek another win this Saturday as they face off against league frontrunners Spitfire at 8:30 a.m. at John Ferraro.

Hotspur rise to second place in league standings.

LA Hotspur emerged the victors over The Purple Team last Saturday in a defensive battle that would be decided in the final minutes of play. The Spurs struck first with ten minutes to go in the first half when center midfielder Nicole McGuire scored off a cross from outside middie Rachelle House. The play was generated by mifielder Gretchen Miller, who distributed a wide pass to House on the right wing. House sprinted to receive the ball, and carried it past a defender to the endline. House then delivered a cross that McGuire met with a well-timed run. McGuire effortlessly flicked the ball into the back of the net to give the Spurs the one-point advantage.

The half ended with Hotspur up by one, but minutes into the second half, The Purple Team would return the favor after being awarded a controversial corner kick. The Purple Team centered the corner kick and got an attempt on net, which was deflected by keeper Brittany Parker. The Purple Team got a second chance to score but a Spurs defender cleared the ball off the goal line. On The Purple Team’s third chance, however, the ball ended up in the back of the net with both teams tied at ones.

The second half would continue as much of the game had, with both teams battling defensively and few attempts on net. Hotspur retained most of the possession, with the defenders and midfielders keeping the ball on their feet. Defenders Stefanie Chan, Alli Griffin, Brittany Gonzales, Hillary Tribbs and Catherine Davila did well to shut down any attacks generated by the opposition; and midfielders Miller, McGuire and Kelly Buck won balls in the center and distributed to keep possession.

With fifteen minutes left to play, Hotspur would score the goal that would finalize the win off a loose ball that bounced between three defenders at the 18 mark. A defender on The Purple Team headed the ball in an attempt to clear it, but outside middie Mary Ronau rushed forward to beat the three defenders to the ball and collect the poor clearance. While falling to the ground, Ronau toe-struck the ball towards the net, and The Purple Team’s keeper dove to no avail. The goal gave the Spurs the 2-1 lead that would stand for the remaining minutes of the game.

The Spurs now rise to second overall in league play, with two wins and a loss. Hotspur returns to action this Saturday at 12:30 p.m. as they face off against fifth-placed Loser Buys.

Updated league charts. After two weeks of play, Hotspur are currently ranked third. The Spurs are scheduled to take on second-place The Purple Team on April 14th.

LA Hotspur earned a 4-1 victory over West Hollywood United last Saturday, giving the Spurs their first win of the season. Striker Ashleigh Garmon would score two goals in the win, and forward Mary Ronau contributed three assists. The other goals came from midfielders Catherine Davila and Gretchen Miller.

West Hollywood United was the first to put a point on the scoreboard. After a Hotspur goal was ruled offside, United countered, catching the Spurs defense off-guard. A United player cut the ball and drilled it towards the near post corner. The ball skipped along the slick grass and into the back of the net.

It wasn’t long before Hotspur returned the favor. The side earned a corner kick which Ronau drilled across the front of the net. Miller lost her mark in the box and met the ball around the penalty spot, gracefully one-timing the ball into the back of the net.

But the Spurs wouldn’t end the half without a bit of a scare. As the half neared its finish, a West Hollywood United player received the ball on a through pass, giving her an 8-yard advantage over the Hotspur defensive line. Defender Tani Toprakci resolved to rectify the situation and valiantly high-tailed it in pursuit of the dangerous United attacker. Aided by her blazing speed, Toprakci managed to catch the attacker around the 18 yard mark, and cleanly stripped the United player of the ball, saving the Spurs and keeper Alyssa Congdon from what could have been a dangerous 1v1 situation.

The teams ended the half with a tie score, 1-1.

It wasn’t long into the second half before Hotspur got on the board again, this time with goal from Davila. Ronau flicked a through ball to the streaking Davila, who raced past the defense and beat the keeper in a one v. one battle. In an incredible bout of hustle, Davila controlled the ball before it went out of bounds and passed it into the back of the net.

Garmon would have the final two goals for the Spurs. In her first goal, Ronau played Garmon the ball, and Garmon nailed a strike towards the left post that beat the keeper.

Garmon’s second goal came off a cross. Ronau sent the ball into the center where a group of green shirts were converging. Toprakci had the first attempt on the shot but a defender blocked the ball. Garmon followed up, nailing another shot towards the far post that the keeper couldn’t get her hands on.

The Hotspur defense and middies played an excellent game, thwarting United’s attack and possessing the ball out of the back. The Spurs displayed their passing prowess, and the side did well to control the ball to feet in the back and midfield.

Goalkeeper Congdon also had a fantastic game, directing the defense and making numerous big saves.

Hotspur return to action on April 14th when they will take on The Purple Team at Salesian High School.

With the March 17th games postponed due to rain, the unlucky Spurs shelved their green shirts and resigned to wait one more week to don their cleats.

Previously expecting to kick off the season against Ladykillers, Hotspur now found themselves facing rivals Spitfire in their first match of the season.

In the hotly contested match, the Spurs, who have outscored Spitfire by a 5 goal margin in the two teams’ previous 8 matchups, were unable to put a ball in the back of the net on gameday.

Spitfire, on the other hand, did just the opposite. When the fiesty side earned a free kick just outside the 18 yard box, they capitalized on the dead ball opportunity by converting a goal. The kick was sent far post and headed in by an unmarked attacker with just minutes left at the end of the first half.

The point would be the only of the game, and Spitfire would emerge the victors, notching their third ever victory over Hotspur in recorded matchup history.

Historically, Hotspur have the advantage over Spitfire over the past three seasons (Fall 2010, Spring 2011, Fall 2011), with a 4-2-2 record over their rivals.

With Saturday’s win, Spitfire are lifted to the top of the tables as the only team to earn a win on the day.

In other league news, Loser Buys tied to Ladykillers with a score of 1-1, and The Purple Team tied WH United with both teams scoring two goals.

This drops Hotspur (0-0-1) to the bottom of the charts at the start of the long season.

Hotspur returns to action on Saturday, March 31st with newcomer Alyssa Congdon slated to make her debut between the pipes for the Spurs. Congdon previously tended the net for Cal State Dominguez Hills and is currently rostered with the LA Strikers of the W-league.

The matchup between Hotspur and United will take place at John Ferraro fields at Griffith Park.

WH United dominated the B division last season with a clean record, winning all 10 games and scoring 59 goal while only allowing 5 before falling to Hotspur in the playoffs semifinal match. Prior to their B division stint, WH United were a fixture in the A division, though recent history has the Spurs on the winning side of the teams’ last six matchups (of which Hotspur has won 4 and lost 2). But both sides have proven to be scoring powerhouses, and the Spurs have only dominated United in scoring by a narrow margin, with Hotspur scoring 15 to United’s 14 goals.

Top row, from left: Rachelle House, Gretchen Miller, Brittney Watson, Catherine Davila, Tani Toprakci, Dee Vela, Kelly Buck. Bottom row, from left: Oriana Nierojewski, Hillary Tribbs, Nicole McGuire, Lindsey Moss, Mary Ronau, Lauren Johnson

After a weekend in Bakersfield, Hotspur returned to LA the champions of the 2012 BOWS Invitational tournament. This championship is the Spurs second in just two off-season tournaments played since the new year. In March, Hotspur look to complete the trifecta by bringing home the gold in Orange County’s Pot ‘O Gold Tournament – the sides’ last tourney before the regular season resumes.

The day started with the final round of preliminary play in which the Spurs took on Runners Alumni. In the match, defender Lauren Johnson scored the first goal when she stripped the ball from an opponent, dribbled the length of the field, and sent a left-footed shot on net that would tuck neatly into the far right corner. Runners quickly returned the favor. Then, Runners would score its second of the game off a penalty kick created from a hotly contested handball in the box. The 2-1 score would stand, and Hotspur finished the preliminary round ranked 2nd of 4 teams.

In semifinal play, Hotspur faced off against Just For Kicks. With Just For Kicks packing it in defensively, the second half ended at zeros. Near the start of the second half, forward Mary Ronau won the ball, cut around two defenders in the box, and placed a shot far right corner to give the side a 1-0 lead. But Just For Kicks equalized and then defended until the half was over, ending the game in a 1-1 tie.

A series of three penalty kicks would decide the teams’ fate, and the Spurs’ Nicole McGuire, Ronau and Oriana Nierojewski stepped up to take the shots. McGuire shot first, and despite placing a hard strike on net, the opposing keeper made a phenomenal leaping save to block the ball. But Hotspur keeper Dee Vela would not be outdone, and made a spectacular save of her own, keeping the penalties scoreless. Ronau’s shot would find the back of the net, and the next Just For Kicks shooter was off target with her strike, leaving Nierojewski the opportunity to win the shootout. Nierojewski confidently placed a unreachable shot into the right side netting, advancing the Spurs to the finals.

Hotspur, in between matches

Hotspur lined up in a 4-5-1 formation for the final match of the day with Dee Vela starting in the net, Catherine Davila, Kelly Buck, Brittney Watson and Lauren Johnson across the back. In the midfield, Gretchen Miller, McGuire and Rachelle House held down the center while Tani Toprakci and Ronau played on the outsides. Nierojewski functioned as the lone striker. Lindsey Moss geared up to sub in at the center of the field and Hillary Tribbs, injured during the first game of the day, kept time on the sidelines and offered support with substitution decisions.

The match began with Hotspur dominating from the start. After a textbook series of passes, House ended up with the ball in a dangerous spot on the far right side. She dribbled to beat her defender, took the ball endline, and sent a cross towards the far left post. The keeper got her finger tips on the ball but was unable to make a play, and Ronau raced in at the open back door, collecting the ball with her chest and running it into the back of the net. The Spurs maintained the lead for the next five minutes, but Runners managed to return on with an effective counter-attack.

The Spurs next goal would come when Miller was fouled just outside the penalty box on the left side of the field. In an unrehearsed free kick play, Miller sent a through ball between the opponent’s wall and Ronau’s lone defender. Ronau rushed in on the ball, collected it, and placed it far post while fending off her defender, giving the Spurs a 2-1 lead.

Despite being on the brink of total exhaustion, the Spurs continued to dominate play in the second half. With about ten minutes left in the game, a foul occurred about 25 yards out on the right side of the field. The skies, which had been cloudy all day, opened up and a haze of light shone behind Ronau’s back as she took the free kick. The ball was driven directly on net and the keeper, blinded by the light, was unable to track the ball as it bumbled into the net, just under the crossbar.

The third goal would be the nail in the coffin and the rest of the game remained scoreless. On the day, outstanding efforts were made by the entire Spurs side, which was hurting for subs. In particular, Dee Vela made several spectacular saves to keep the Spurs in the game, and the defense played a hard, united game, and were able to often lend their support to the Spurs attack.

Hotspur look forward to their next tournament in Orange County, CA on March 10th and 11th. The sides regular season resumes on March 17th.

Go Spurs!

To start the tournament, the Spurs faced opponent Just For Kicks, dominating the game but only winning 1-0. The goal came when defender Lauren Johnson stripped the ball from an opponent on the left side of the field. Johnson then dribbled down the line, beating a defender and crossing the ball to midfielder Nicole McGuire. The tenacious middie received the ball, then cut around two defenders before drilling it into the left upper 90.

The goal would be the Spurs only of the game. Johnson and Catherine Davila each spent a half between the pipes.

In their second game of the day, the Spurs beat the Heat in a dominant 13-0 win. Dee Vela spent the game in net, making at least one crucial save to keep a clean sheet. Goals and assists came from the following players:

Becca Bullard (unassisted)
McGuire (Hillary Tribbs)
McGuire (Katie Chally)
Chally  (Lindsey Moss)
Bullard (unassisted)
McGuire (Johnson)
Chally (unassisted)
Heat own goal, created by Rachelle House
McGuire (Davila) (Chally)
Kelly Buck (Bullard) (Brittney Watson)
Tani Toprakci (House) (Oriana Nierojewski)
House (Nierojewski)
Toprakci (Natalie Levis)

McGuire was the high scorer of the day with 5 goals and a total of ten points. The other top ten point earners were Katie C and Bullard with 6 and 5 points respectively.

Hotspur returns to action this morning for their final preliminary game against Runners Alumni this morning at 10:30 a.m. Semifinal play begins at 1:30 with the finals slated to be played at 2:45 p.m.

2012 Direct Kix Champions, Hotspur #1, from left to right: Brittany Gonzales, Kelly Buck, Rachelle House, Tani Toprakci, Becca Bullard, Flora Guilbaut, Nicole McGuire and Brittney Watson

LA Hotspur FC attended Saturday’s Direct Kix 5 v 5 tournament in Santa Monica, looking to repeat last year’s championship performance. The squad gave itself an extra advantage, fielding two teams in the competition. After the semi-final rounds, it was clear Hotspur would emerge the victors one way or another, as both sides earned a championship berth, making the finals an exclusive Spurs affair.

It would be Hotspur #1 that took the championship, a team comprised of 5 players from last year’s winning squad: Kelly Buck, Rachelle House, Becca Bullard, Flora Guilbaut and Tani Toprakci. Nicole McGuire, Brittney Watson and Brittany Gonzales added their talents to the star-studded side.

Hotspur’s second group, Hotspur #2, was comprised of Spurs players Catherine Davila, Ashleigh Garmon, Mary Ronau and Alli Griffin. In addition, former Spurs top performer Natalie Levis returned to the team and guest players Megan Casanova, Molly Casanova, and Caeli Abeyta added their talents to the roster.

Back row, left to right: Alli Griffin, Ashleigh Garmon, Brittany Gonzales, Tani Toprakci, Flora Guilbaut, Kelly Buck, Brittney Watson, Nicole McGuire, Becca Bullard, Rachelle House. Bottom row, left to right: Molly Casanova, Megan Casanova, Natalie Levis, Catherine Davila, Mary Ronau, Caeli Abeyta

At the start of the tournament, the Spurs teams found themselves in separate groups. The unlucky Team 1 found themselves in the group of death, finishing the group with a loss and a closely contested win. Team 2 ended up with an easier matchup, and breezed through the competition, scoring a cumulative 17 goals in two games. The two wins earned Hotspur #2 an automatic berth into the semifinals, while Hotspur #1 played a wild card game to earn their spot. After an easy win in the wild card matchup, Team 1 found themselves in the semifinals as well. The Spurs teams landed on opposite sides of the semi-finals, and when both teams won their matchups, the Hotspur teams found themselves in an all-Spurs final.

In the final match, Hotspur Team #2 got off to an early lead with a goal by forward Ashleigh Garmon. But Hotspur #1 quickly countered, and Brittney Watson put the ball in the back of the net to tie the match. The goal was followed by another Team 1 goal by Becca Bullard, giving Hotspur #1 the advantage that would stand for the remainder of the match.

With great performances by both sides, the Spurs look forward to continued off season play. Next on the schedule, Hotspur will attend the BOWS Invitational Tournament in Bakersfield. After taking second place in 2011, the Spurs aim even higher, hoping for a gold medals in this year’s 2012 tournament. The Spurs also plan to make a splash in Orange County during the 2012 off-season, and will be adding the OCWSL’s annual Pot O’ Gold Tourney to their off-season schedule.

After three strong tournaments in the off-season, the Spurs will rejoin regular league play on March 17th, when the LA Municipal 2012 women’s Spring/Summer season kicks off.

Top row, from left: Brittany Parker, Ashleigh Garmon, Mary Ronau, Brittney Watson, Kelly Buck, Nicole McGuire, Becca Bullard, Claudia Passalacqua, Brittany Gonzales. Bottom row, from left: Alli Griffin, Lauren Johnson, Tani Toprakci, Catherine Davila, Hillary Tribbs, Dee Vela, Rachelle House. Missing from photo: Shae Morales, Shannon Wahl, Gretchen Miller, Lindsey Moss

LA Hotspur FC earned its third consecutive win and fifth win on the season as the squad defeated league frontrunner The Purple Team 2-1 last Saturday. With just two games left in season play, the Spurs have only lost once, in an earlier matchup against the same purple team. In last Saturday’s game, Hotspur debuted a new formation and with it managed to dominate play for the better part of the match.

Forwards Ashleigh Garmon and Catherine Davila combined for both goals, each player earning a goal and an assist on the day. For Davila, previously sidelined with a broken wrist, the three points would be her first on the season.  For Garmon, whose appearance was her second ever in a Hotspur jersey, the goal and assist were the first of her Hotspur career.

Davila’s goal came at the ten minute mark, when forward Ashleigh Garmon played a long ball over the defense from the right side of the pitch. Catherine sprinted to the ball, fending off a defender while dribbling toward the net. When the keeper committed, Davila chipped the ball into the back of the net. The perfectly struck ball dipped just under the crossbar to give the Spurs its first goal of the game.

The Spurs played sharp defense, but had a scare at the end of the half, when a forward from The Purple Team found herself in a one vs. one situation with Hotspur keeper Brittany Parker. The Purple Team attacker attempted to chip Parker, but the Spurs keeper sprung up and nabbed the shot, calming the hearts of Hotspur supporters across the country.

The second half began with the Spurs leading by one. But the squad could not get organized, and gave up a corner kick fifteen minutes in. An unmarked attacker managed a header that found itself in the back of the net, despite defenders’ best attempts to clear the ball.

But the sides would not remain tied for long, as Hotspur attackers Davila and Garmon were not done scoring!  This time it was Davila who would serve the ball to Garmon for the goal. Midfielder Brittney Watson tackled the ball from a Purple Team defender, and Davila pounced to collect the ball. From the left side of the field, Davila dropped the ball back to the open Garmon, who took a touch and nailed a driven ball from twenty yards out. The ball sailed over the hands of the keeper, and dropped just under the cross bar at the far post, giving the Spurs a lead that would prove final.

A strong defensive effort contributed to the win. Besides strong team defending; across the pitch, the Spurs did well to win 50-50 balls, play balls to feet and control the run of play. The Spurs return to action on December 3rd when they will take on Lady Killers to make up November 5th’s rain-out.

Lauren Johnson carries the ball upfield. Johnson had an assist in Saturday's game.

LA Hotspur FC notched its fourth win of the season last Saturday, as the side overcame Dinamo Turbine in a decisive 3-0 victory. Hotspur played tight defense in the match, requiring little work of keeper Brittany Parker who has only allowed two goals on the season. This weekend’s victory is the Spurs’ second consecutive.

After a scoreless first half, Hotspur got on the board early in the second half, when midfielder Gretchen Miller threw the ball in to forward Mary Ronau on the right side of the field in the offensive third. With her back to the goal, Ronau trapped the ball and passed the ball to midfielder Brittney Watson. Watson took just one touch before switching the field, finding forward Becca Bullard on the left. Bullard cut around a defender and nailed a low, far post shot that would find its place in the side netting to put the Spurs up by one.

Despite Dinamo Turbine’s best efforts to pack it in defensively to prevent scoring, Hotspur managed to find the net again after a series of thwarted shots. As Turbine defenders sacrificed body to block one shot after another, the ball found its way to midfielder Lindsey Moss. Moss immediately found the wide open Ronau, and the midfielder slotted the ball through to the striker, putting Ronau in a one vs. one battle against the keeper. Ronau found the back of the net easily to increase the Spurs’ lead.

Hotspur found one final goal before the final whistle, this time at the hands of forward Rachelle House. Forward Lauren Johnson received the ball off a counter attack in the center of the pitch. Johnson quickly laid the ball off to the open Ronau, who one-timed a pass to the streaking House. The speedy forward beat her defender and drove toward net with the ball, dribbling past the keeper and poking the ball into the back of the net to bring the lead to 3-0.

Midfielder Nicole McGuire goes in for the tackle.

Throughout the game, the Hotspur defense provided solid support, winning nearly every ball that escaped the Spurs’ attacking third. Because of Hotspur’s tight defense and ball-winning ability, Dinamo Turbine rarely found itself in its own attacking third of the field, and what little counter attacks the side managed to conjure up were quickly laid to rest by the diligent defensive team.

With the win, Hotspur’s record is now 4-2-1, with just one loss on the season. The Spurs remained tied with Spitfire for second place in the league.

Ronau's game winning goal lifted the Spurs to victory over Dinamo

LA Hotspur FC has been hard at work in recent weeks, winning two consecutive matches and keeping a firm hold on the side’s unbeaten streak.

In the team’s second game of the season, the Spurs took on Dinamo Turbine, newcomers to LA Municipal’s A division. Last season, Dinamo were near the top of the B division standings, finishing second overall in the B division with an 8-1-3 record. The side was welcomed to the A division by Hotspur, who handed Turbine their second loss of the season in a hard-fought match.

The Spurs fought hard for the win as Dinamo managed to keep the match scoreless until well into the second half. A goal finally came Hotspur’s way when forward Tani Toprakci broke past the defensive line and carried the ball to net. Toprakci dribbled past the keeper, and, with just an open net in front of her, was pulled down in the box. But the ref didn’t have time to whistle as the ball was cleared directly into the waiting feet of forward Mary Ronau, who had little more to do than pass the ball into the back of the net. The Spurs were happy to take the advantage, and the goal would be enough to secure the win.

Hotspur returned to action last Saturday to take on Lady Killers, another newcomer to the A division by way of B division. Last season, Lady Killers were regular season B division champs and also were the champions in playoffs, beating A division teams to take home the league champ title. But this season the side has not been so lucky, and the Spurs delivered the third loss of the season to the Lady Killers.

House's second half goal was the Spurs' third in the side's 3-1 win over Lady Killers

In the match, Ronau put away two goals and forward Rachelle House had a goal and an assist to help the Hotspur to the 3-1 win. The side’s first goal came early, when forward House dropped into the midfield to collect the ball. House turned and passed the ball to midfielder Claudia Passalacqua who made a run out wide. Passalacqua received the ball and found Ronau with a sneaky ball that beat the defenders. Ronau turned with the ball and finished the ball easily, as she had just the keeper to beat. Towards the end of the first half, the Spurs managed to find their second goal, also by way of Ronau. Forward Becca Bullard dribbled the ball down the sideline, beat a defender, and centered the ball low and hard across the front of the net. Ronau was making the run in, but flubbed her first attempt. Luckily, a defender also flubbed her clearance attempt and the ball came back to Ronau. The lucky striker rectified her mistake via a left footed volley into the back of the net. The Spurs continued to attack ruthlessly for the duration of the second half, and the final goal of the game was generated by a sequence of passing that led to a hammer of a shot from House. Midfielder Gretchen Miller sent the final ball across the 18 to House, who collected the ball and nailed it past the keeper to give the Spurs a three goal lead.

Later, Lady Killers managed to find the back of the net in a shot that was generated by a poor clearance. Keeper Brittany Parker had little chance as the opponent nailed the ball from point blank range. Despite the singular goal, the Spurs have made a habit of strong defending, and have only allowed one goal on the season. The side has utilized the talents of Parker on multiple occasions, and the keeper has quelled more than one breakaway attempt over the span of the past three games. The defense has been playing with exceptional unity and confidence, shifting with ease and breaking up most of the opponents’ attacks. In the center of the field, the midfielders have made a habit of hustling ceaselessly to cover ground, win balls and provide for the hungry feet of the strikers.

The Spurs return to action Saturday, October 1st at 12:30 p.m. vs. Spitfire.

Midfielder Shae Morales wins the ball in the center of the field.

On Saturday, September 10th, in the women’s A division season opening match, Hotspur and Loser Buys squared off in a hard-fought battle that ended scoreless. The Hotspur side unveiled new kits for the first match of the ten game season.

For the Spurs, Brittany Parker started the game between the pipes with Catherine Davila, Kelly Buck, Brittany Gonzales and Hillary Tribbs across the back. In the center of the field were Lindsey Moss, Nicole McGuire and Gretchen Miller. Starting up top for the Spurs were Rachelle House, Mary Ronau and Becca Bullard. Shae Morales and Claudia Passalacqua provided much needed relief and strength from the bench, and the injured Dee Vela offered assistance with substitutions on the sidelines.

The Spurs created numerous dangerous opportunities in the first half, but ultimately came up scoreless. The Spurs first chance on net came when House challenged a defender near the endline and came up with the ball. House nailed a graceful shot on net that the keeper managed to control. Next, Passalacqua slotted a through ball to Ronau who slipped behind the defense. The unattended Ronau struck a left-footed shot that missed just high. Later, Ronau returned the favor, slipping Passalacqua through. Passalacqua beat the last defender and dribbled past the keeper, but was pulled down by the keeper in a controversial no-call. The Spurs peppered their opponents with dangerous attacks for the better part of the half, but nothing found the back of the net.

Keeper Brittany Parker earned her first shutout of the season.

On the defensive side of the field, the Spurs shut down their opponents with regularity. Gonzales, Buck, Tribbs and Moss alternately rotated through the center of the back, securing the defensive line with intelligent play and hustle. Davila’s speed was oft utilized to thwart the speed of the Loser Buys attack. Twice, a wily Loser Buys attacker managed to slip behind the back line and both times, keeper Parker came up with diving saves, winning the one-v-one battles to protect the Hotspur net.

In the second half, the Spurs retained most of the possession in the center of the field, but had trouble building attacking attempts in the front third of the field. Miller, McGuire and Morales won balls in the center of the field and helped The side’s best attempt came through the efforts of Bullard, who nailed a left-footed shot towards the right side of the net, beating the keeper but missing just wide of the goal.

The still scoreless Spurs returned to action on Saturday, September 17th at 10:30 a.m. in a match vs. the newly appointed A division side, Dinamo Turbine. A recap on this game will be posted shortly.

Go Spurs!!

Game Writeup By: W.H. Lane

Hotspur took on LA Athletica in a blistering midday game at Salesian field last Saturday. Both sides struggled with attendance, resulting in a game that would be dictated by the flow of players. After a rough, injury filled game, Hotspur would emerge the victors, defeating their opponents in a 2-1 advantage.

With just 1o players present to start the game, the Spurs knew they were in for a rough time of it; yet, their opponents fielded just 9 players to start the game, giving the Spurs a slight advantage in personnel. Rachelle House started the game in net for the Spurs, while Mary Ronau, Oriana Nierojewski, Kelly Buck and Alli Griffin started the game at defense. In the center of the field were Shannon Wahl, Nicole McGuire and Lindsey Moss. Up top for the Spurs were Tani Toprakci and Becca Bullard.

Hotspur scored almost immediately, earning the lead about 15 minutes in. Defender Ronau won a loose ball off the opponents free kick. She dribbled the ball forward before finding Bullard on the run. Bullard received the ball on the left side of the field and took a couple dribbles toward the goal before driving a lethal left footed strike into the back of the net.

Claudia Passalacqua arrived shortly after, lifting Hotspur’s numbers to 11. By mid-half, both teams had filled the field to fullest potential.

Hotspur were content to sit on their lead, possessing the ball and retaining control of the game for the remainder of the half.

On the other side of the field, House was presented with little danger in net. The keeper did, however, make a key save for the Spurs when a LA Athletica striker broke free on a breakaway. House cut off the speedy attacker, easily winning the ball clearing it from danger.

As the half drew to a close, defender Nierojewski went down with a knee injury, sidelining her for the rest of the game. She would continue to act as athletic trainer as other injuries occurred during the course of the game, but as far as game play went, the Spurs would have to go it a player down for the rest of the game.

Nierojewski, who has scored 5 goals and 5 assists for a total of 15 points on the season, would have been an asset to the Spurs in the second half, as their opponents later scored a goal to equalize the game.

Ronau assisted Bullard’s goal in Saturday’s game against LA Athletica.

In the second half of play, Bullard subbed into net for House. LA Athletica, recharged from the break and outnumbering the broken Spurs, peppered the net with shots. Bullard made a handful of saves, including one diving save where she punched the ball away with a closed fist. Still, LA Athletica managed to rustle up a point as an unmarked attacker headed the ball in off a corner kick.

The Spurs fought for another goal but were unsuccessful for the majority of the half. With just over ten minutes left to play, Ronau switched into net and Bullard re-entered the attack. The personnel change rejuvenated the Hotspur attack as forwards House and Bullard combined almost immediately for a goal.

With the ball on the left side of the field, Bullard made a move around a defender and sent a long diagonal ball across the field to House. The speedy attacker received the ball out of the air, made two quick moves to beat her defender, and nailed a swift shot on frame from 30 yards out on the right side of the field. House’s shot sailed over the arms of the dizzied keeper and landed securely in the far left corner of the net, giving the Spurs a 2-1 lead.

With just minutes left to play, the Spurs protected their lead until the final whistle.

Hotspur retains its position at the top of the league, marking the fifth consecutive week the side has reigned in first position over the rest of the league.

Bullard and Ronau lead the team in points, each with 19 total points (7 goals and 5 assists each).

The Spurs close out regular season play next weekend as they take on West Hollywood United Saturday at 12:30 p.m. at John Ferraro.  A win on the 25th will likely ensure the side enters playoffs in top position. Visit LA Parks for updated league rankings.

Game Writeup By: W.H. Lane

On the weekend LA Hotspur suffered a tough loss to league newcomers The Other 10. Despite brilliant efforts by Nicole McGuire and Gretchen Miller, who both lodged a goal for the Hotspur side, the Spurs were unable to match the four points netted by their opponents in purple.

The Spurs started the game with Stephanie Cullhane in the net. Across the back were Dee Vela, Hillary Tribbs, Brittney Watson and Kelly Buck. Nicole McGuire, Claudia Passalacqua and Lindsey Moss started in the center of the field. Gretchen Miller, Rachelle House and Shannon Wahl started the game at striker for the Spurs.

In the first 15 minutes of the play, the Spurs demonstrated their confidence and preparedness, dominating play. But midway through the half, The Other 10 were able to connect for a goal, putting Hotspur down by one. The Spurs fought back and managed to create a few opportunities, but nothing came of their efforts. Before the half finished The Other 10 managed to put another away, and the half ended with Hotspur down by 2.

But it wasn’t long into the second 45 minutes of play when middie McGuire managed to connect for a goal. Passalacqua won the ball in the center of the field and found the feet of McGuire, who turned with the ball, brought it forward and nailed a long range shot from the left side of the net. The ball blazed past the keeper, finding the back of the net and bringing the Spurs one goal closer to their opponents.

The renewed side followed with several dangerous opportunities, dinging shots off the post and forcing The Other 10 keeper to come up with brilliant saves to keep her team afloat. But The Other 10 would quickly silence the Spurs’ with two quick goals of their own, capitalizing on breakaways to put The Other 10 ahead, 4-1.

Hotspur battled til the end of the game, using their flank defenders to build scoring opportunities. In the end, it would be an effort by forwards Miller and Oriana Nierojewski that would lead to the final goal of the game. After winning the ball on the defensive end, Mary Ronau found the feet of Nierojewski on the right wing. Nierojewski would carry the ball half the length of the field with Miller making a dynamic run alongside. Finally approaching the goal, Nierojewski dribbled towards the last defender, pulling the defense her way before finding the feet of Miller. Upon receiving the ball, Miller took a quick touch before casually firing a shot on net, beating the keeper with her lethal strike.

The effort would be the final goal of the game, with the Spurs losing 4-2.

The loss drops the Hotspur record to 6-0-3; yet the side retains their position at the top of the league. Once again the Spurs find themselves in a three way tie for first place, as both Loser Buys and Spitfire have records that mirror the Spurs. However, Hotspur remains in first in goal differential.

The race for first will come to a head next week as Hotspur face Spitfire at John Ferraro field.

League standings are available HERE.

Guest Post By: Kelly Buck
Photography By: Matt Gulley

LA Hotspur beat LA Athletica last weekend in what would be the side’s fourth consecutive win. The 2-0 victory brings the Spur’s record to 6-0-2, and the Spurs maintain their position at the top of the league (currently tied for first with Spitfire).

Hotspur arrived at the game prepared and ready to win while their opponent, LA Athletica, forgot their ID cards and nearly forced a forfeit. While waiting for the opposing team to get their stuff together, Hotspur befriended the gopher that lives under the Ferraro field and destroys its grass roots.

Hotspur welcomed their newest and highly anticipated member, Stephanie Cullhane, to the pitch as full-time goalkeeper. Starting in the back were Alli Griffin, Kelly Buck, Brittney Watson and Katie Kauffman. Lindsey Moss, Diana Vela and Claudia Passalacqua started in the center of the field. Oriana Nierojewski, Gretchen Miller and Becca Bullard started as forwards. Hostpur dominated the first half by passing to feet and controlling the flow of the game, forcing LA Athletica to run in circles on the uneven pitch. The defense held tightly, shutting down breakaways and any attempts at net, giving Cullhane an easy introduction to the Hotspur side. For her part, Cullhane played the position with confidence, rounding up any loose balls and keeping the defensive line organized.

Near the end of the first half, Hotspur had its first goal. Center midfielder Moss passed to Nicole McGuire, who sent a through ball to the streaking Catherine Davila on the outside. Davila crossed the ball to Nierojewski, who was making a mid-goal run. A leaping Nierojewski side-kicked the ball into the near post netting in a move that emulated the best efforts of Jackie Chan and put Hotspur ahead in the match.

Neither team had another successful attempt on goal for the rest of the half.

However, the referee decided to make the game interesting by issuing a yellow card the back of the clapping Vela while the ball was still in play. After the half-time whistle blew, the ref had not had enough face time with his favorite and chased the unsuspecting Vela to the sideline to issue a second yellow and the ensuing red. Vela was forced to the sidelines for the rest of the game and the Spurs had to manage with only 10 players on the field.

The controversy only fueled the Spurs as the team entered the second half. The spirited side created numerous scoring chances in during the final 45 minutes of play. Nierojewski sent a cross far post that skimmed the upper crossbar. Midfielder McGuire had several near chances and in one play, kicked the ball so magnificently that the LA Athletica keeper nearly bobbled it into the back of the net. In a feisty duel between Hotspur defender Kauffman and an Athletica attacker, the opposing player became so rough the ref was forced to issue a yellow to the Athletica player.

The Spurs’ second goal of the match came from Lauren Johnson, who entered the game late for Hotspur. Johnson brought the ball down out of the air off an Athletica goal kick and dribbled the ball towards net. Johnson cut the ball left at the corner of the box and sent a perfect left-footed strike to the far post. The LA Athletica keeper had not even a whisper of a chance as the ball slid into the back of the net.

Ahead 2-0, Hotspur finished the game without a worry and Cullhane earned her first shutout while wearing the Spurs’ kelly green.

Hotspur return to action at 11 a.m. on June 4th as they face off against The Other 10 at Salesian High School. In previous league play, The Other 10 defeated the Hotspur 3-0, one of just two teams who have been able to notch a win against the triumphant Hotspur.

Game Writeup By: W.H.Lane
Photography By: Matt Gulley 

Hotspur striker Oriana Nierojewski had a hand in all three goals as the team overtook league rivals Loser Buys last Saturday.

Nicole McGuire started between the pipes for the Spurs. Across the back were Hotspur defenders Shannon Wahl, Brittney Watson, Hillary Tribbs and Alli Griffin. Mary Ronau, Catherine Davila and Kelly Buck started in the center of the pitch. Gretchen Miller, Becca Bullard and Nierojewski started up top.

The scoring kicked off for the Spurs in the first half, when Nierojewski found teammate Bullard with a through ball. As Nierojewski dribbled down the center of the pitch, Bullard made a streaking run down the left side of the field. Nierojewski found Bullard’s feet, and Bullard cut the ball to the right, beating a defender with the sharp move. The left-footed forward found a strike with her right foot, burying a blazing ball into the far post netting.

Hotspur collectively combined in an impenetrable defensive effort, allowing their opponents just a couple shots on net. Keeper McGuire had at least one outstanding save for the Spurs, leaping to deny a high driven ball that threatened to tie the game up for Loser Buys.

As the half drew to a close, Spurs led, 1-nil.

Alli Griffin pushes the ball forward into the attack. Griffin’s defensive efforts were a crucial part of Hotspur’s win over Loser Buys 

Hotspur brought more of the same to the second half, continuing to attack and defend relentlessly. Defenders Griffin, Watson, Tribbs, Davila and Ronau were ruthless as they shut down their opponent’s attack.

Led by Kelly Buck, Lindsey Moss, McGuire and newcomer Shae Morales, the Spurs dominated play in the center of the field. The team built their attack from back to front, combining repeated 1-2 passing sequences that had Loser Buys pulled apart and on their heels.

Shannon Wahl stepped in the net for the Spurs, and while the first 20 minutes would prove uneventful, Wahl’s skills would be tested in the final minutes of the game. But Wahl stepped up to the challenge, twice diving face-first into the opponents’ feet to collect the ball.

On the attacking side, the Spur’s second goal of the game would be the result of a brilliant team attack. Forward Bullard dribbled the ball down the left sideline, beat a defender, and sent a ball sailing across the net. Three Hotspur attackers made runs towards the net to frame the goal. Bullard’s ball would sail past the far post, where Miller was making her run. Miller first – timed the ball back across the net and Nierojewski buried the ball soundly, sliding through the ball to push it into the back of the net.

Becca Bullard dribbles the ball out of pressure. Bullard was ruthless on the attack, notching both a goal and an assist in Saturday’s win 

Hotspur later put an exclamation point on the win in a scrappy goal off a free kick. After a foul was called from 35 yards out, defender Tribbs stepped up to take the kick. Tribbs sent a ball rocketing towards the net. Just before the ball dipped under the crossbar, the Loser Buys keeper managed to get her hands on the ball to parry it away from the net. Hotspur attackers crashed the net, and Nierojewski collected the ball that ricocheted off the keeper. Nierojewski sent the ball on frame, deflecting her shot off the rear end of the unsuspecting Ronau to clinch the win.

With the win, Hotspur break the three way tie between the league’s first place teams. Hotspur and Spitfire are now tied for first, both teams with a record of 5-0-2 and a point total of 15.

Ronau and Bullard lead the team in scoring with 18 and 14 points, respectively.

Hotspur have a cumulative 21 goals and 28 assists with seven of those assists being secondary.

The Spurs return to action Saturday, May 21st at 10:30 a.m. as they face LA Athletica.

Davila’s aggressive attack created the game-winning goal for the Hotspur. 

Game Writeup By: W. H. Lane
Photography By: Matt Gulley 

Hotspur striker Catherine Davila scored the gamewinning goal in the last 10 minutes of play, lifting the Spurs to victory over West Hollywood United last Saturday, May 7th.

To start the game, the injured Lauren Johnson suited up to defend the net. Across the back were Alli Griffin, Brittney Watson, Hillary Tribbs and Dee Vela. Starting in the center of the field were Catherine Davila, Lindsey Moss and Claudia Passalacqua. Mary Ronau, Oriana Nierojewski and Gretchen Miller started up top.

Hotspur started off the scoring when midfielder Passalacqua split two defenders to find Ronau running through towards the right side of the net. Ronau beat the keeper to the ball, and took a touch to the left, slipping the ball past the keeper and dribbling into the net. The Spurs found confidence in their early lead, and continued to dominate play.

Soon after, Passalacqua found Ronau once more, and the two combined for the second goal of the game. This time, Passalacqua found Ronau running through towards the left side of the net, and put the ball into space. Ronau took a touch on the ball and shot it on frame with her left foot, nutmegging the keeper to put the Spurs up 2-0.

A change in the lineup brought midfielder Nicole McGuire onto the pitch. Seeking an assist of her own, McGuire split the defense with a dangerous through ball. Once again, Ronau ran on the ball, this time with more pitch separating her from the net. Reading the keeper slightly off her line, Ronau placed a right footed shot to the near post, securing a 3-nil lead for Hotspur.

But their opponents would fight back, and WeHo soon secured a goal of their own. When a WeHo attacker broke free from the defense, keeper Johnson was left alone to defend the net. Johnson charged forward to deter the attacker, but a well placed shot by the WeHo player found the far right corner of the net.

Before the half was over, WeHo would find the net once again. This time, a West Hollywood United midfielder would dribble down the left side of the field and across the endline before sending a ball across the penalty box. The effort did not go unrecognized, as one of her teammates finished the easy ball.

The half ended with Spurs leading, 3-2.

Passalacqua dribbles past a West Hollywood United defender. Passalacqua had two assists for the Spurs (photo courtesy of Matt Gulley)

Despite Hotspur’s resolve to score more goals in the second half, both teams played a scoreless half. Hotspur created numerous scoring opportunities but were unable to find the back of the net. The referees did their part to contribute, making multiple terrible decisions in favor of WeHo, including at least one blatantly misread offsides call.

With about 15 minutes remaining in the game, the referee awarded a free kick to West Hollywood just outside the 18. A WeHo player struck a lofting ball that found the back of the net despite Johnson’s best efforts. This would equalize the game, 3-3.

Davila, on the sidelines, subbed in at striker.

With her first touch on the ball, the spunky forward beat a defender, pushing herself through the back line and towards the net. When the keeper came out to stop the play, Davila kept going, fighting through the foul and getting her foot on the ball to send it into the back of the net.

The Spurs defended the win until the final whistle blew, finishing the hard fought match with a score of 4-3.

The win lifts Hotspur to the top of the charts, although the team  finds itself in a three way tie with conference rivals Loser Buys and Spitfire.

Hotspur returns to action next Saturday at Salesian High School in an 11 a.m. match against Loser Buys.

LA Hotspur experienced a successful league opener as the team kicked off against West Hollywood United. Hotspur managed a 3-0 victory over the failing United, a loss which caused WeHo to plummet to the bottom of the charts.

Starting at back were Tani Toprakci, Oriana Nierojewski, Hillary Tribbs and Katie Kauffman.

Nicole McGuire, Kelly Buck and Brittney Watson started the match at the center of the pitch, and Mary Ronau, Rachelle House and Gretchen Miller started up top for the Hotspur.

Catherine Davila took on keeper duties for the first half, and in the second half, Kauffman protected the net.

The two keepers combined for the only shutout of the weekend, and WeHo is currently the only team in the league who has been unable to net a goal.

On the attacking end, Miller, who was on the DL last season, enjoyed her comeback debut as she generated much of the team’s attack, ultimately having a hand in all three goals.

It would also be a good game for Hotspur rookies, as all three goals were netted by players debuting in their first game of league play.

The gamewinner, which was scored by midfielder McGuire, came with less than 20 minutes to play in the first half. The attack was generated by Miller who sent a through ball to Ronau. Ronau then played the ball back to McGuire, who teed up from far range to nail a shot just under the crossbar, far from the outstretched arms of the failing keeper.

The first half ended with no further back-of-the-net action.

Hotspur’s second goal came midway through the second half. This time Miller would have the direct assist, receiving a pass from Watson and playing the ball through to the hungry House. Upon receiving the ball, the Hotspur rookie cut the ball hard and drilled it on frame, leaving the keeper with little more than a prayer as the ball thrashed against the back of the net.

The final goal for the Hotspur was a product of skill and hustle. Once again, Miller made magic happen with the ball on foot, and she sent a through pass to the streaking Davila. Davila continued through with the ball, and as the keeper came out, executed a Messi-style chip, sending the ball over the keeper towards the net. The quick keeper managed to get a hand on it, but as she turned to collect the ball, Hotspur rookie Nierojewski penetrated the back line, and beat the keeper to to the ball. Nierojewski easily finished the ball into the back of the net, scoring what would be Hotspur’s final goal.

Miller leads the team in points with 3.

Hotspur is currently tied for first place in the LA Municipal league, with a record of 1-0.

The team kicks off this Saturday against Loser Buys at 8:30 a.m.

Back row (left to right): Rachelle House, Catherine Davila, Dee Vela, Becca Bullard, Shannon Wahl, Jouvan Laali, Lindsey Moss and Katie Kaufman

Front row: Kelly Buck, Brittney Watson, Nicole McGuire, Mary Ronau, Lauren Johnson and Valerie Braimah

On the weekend, LA Hotspur FC became the first ever champions of the LA City Municipal Sports Invitational Tournament. After winning its first two games of the tournament, the team was undefeated going into play last weekend. In the team’s first game, Hotspur took an early lead off an unassisted strike from Nicole McGuire. The shot came from 25 yards out and dipped just under the crossbar, beating the outstretched arms of the keeper.

Despite the early lead, WLA Alliance (Hotspur’s persistent opponents) managed to capitalize off two defensive breakdowns in the early moments of the second half. Although Hotspur continued to dominate the game, the team was unable to put the ball in the back of the net.

Hotspur’s loss would require that both teams play a second match to determine the tournament winner.

Accordingly, the two teams met up three hours later for the finals.

In the final match, WLA Alliance took an early lead, scoring two goals in the first fifteen minutes of the game. Hotspur were on their heels, but finally managed to claim control of the game during the second part of the first half. With five minutes left in the half, Hotspur forward Mary Ronau found the back of the net from just outside the 18. The team went into the second half trailing 2-1. But Hotspur maintained control throughout the second half, and scored three unanswered goals to win the match. Second half goals came from Becca Bullard (Catherine Davila), Ronau (Bullard) and Bullard (Rachelle House).

In tournament play, Bullard led the team in scoring with a total of 11 points (5 goals, 1 assist), followed by Ronau with 7 points (3 goals, 1 assist). Other high point-winners were McGuire with 4 points (2 goals), Shannon Wahl with 3 points (1 goal, 1 assist). On the tournament, Brittney Watson and Valerie Braimah also had a goal each, which Hillary Greene, Alli Griffin, Davila and House each notched an assist.

On the defensive side, Hotspur held their opponents to just 8 goals on the tournament (two of which were penalty shots). Keeper responsibilities were shared by the lot, but the injured Dee Vela spent the majority of the time between the pipes.

In addition to being excellent soccer players, Hotspur  have also been working on their ariel jump:

The victorious Hotspur have a shared agreement to each wear their medals to work.

Stay tuned for a photo series highlighting each medal winner!