The Action from Girls Soccer - Day 3

The girls varsity ISST's tournament has been somewhat monotonous these past few years, due to the fact that ASL won four years in a row, and then TASIS followed by winning it three years in a row. This year, however, did not follow a similar pattern, as neither the hosts ASL won, or the returning champions TASIS , or even any of the other teams that participated last year in Cairo.

Zurich International School (ZIS) were the underdogs in the competition, after being promoted from division two into division one; they were the dark horse in the tournament. The team has a new coach, a new momentum, and now a new title, after battling against all odds and claiming the title of ISST 2011 Champions. The most noticeable quality, and strength that Zurich had, was that they really were, and played as a team. The communication, and co-operation within the team was outstanding, and really gave them the edge over their opponents, and was evident in the final against St. John's.

ACS Cobham, were the first team to play Zurich and the only team not to loose to them, therefore proving themselves as an equal to the eventual winners of the tournament. The Cougars tied 1-1 against ZIS in the first round. After two exciting games on Friday, the Cougars found themselves playing for 5^th place, against the host team ASL. The match was intense and exciting; the players were equally as passionate as the many fans that were rowdily cheering for their team. However, neither team could get an edge over the other, and the final score was 0-0, meaning that ASL and ACS Cobham resided in joint 5^th place.

ASL hosted a well-organised and positive event, and the crowd gave ZIS a standing ovation as they collected their well-deserved gold-medals. The Cathy Faoro Award, which commemorates the memory of a former ISST participant who passed away shortly after graduating from AIS-Vienna in 1992, is given annually to the player who personifies Cathy's sporting personality. Taylie Sargent, from Cobham, was nominated after showing the looked-for traits of an unselfish team player, quiet leadership, determination and team spirit. The winner, however, was Martina Belloni from ASP. Cobham were also represented in the winners of the All Tournament Award, which recognises the 15 (this year 17) most talented players from all the teams participating. Our central defender and midfielder, Lykke Brostrom and Jenny Stuart respectively, were in this elite group; this being the third year that Jenny has been awarded this distinction.

Overall the lady Cougars should be proud of their performance at this year's ISST's, especially the leaving seniors, Charlotte Richards, Jenny Stuart, and Ida Braathen. They will be sorely missed come next season, where Sophie Montgommery, and Lykke Brostrom will lead the team to hopeful victory.

Chrissie Stuart