FC SURGE / WPSL
PRESS RELEASE
MIAMI 06/16/2019
With a 4th win on Saturday 6/15 FC Surge retains 1st place in the Sunshine Conference of the WPSL with a 4-0-1 record. The 4-0 victory also keeps the Surge as the ONLY team in the league (of 119 teams across the country) with ZERO goals against! The defensive backline and both Surge Goal Keepers have to be acknowledged in this feat, aptly named the “Surge Protectors”!
FIU GK Christina Velasquez and Catholic University GK Nina Fernandez shared the shutouts in the first three matches and each had their own full game clean sheets in the last two games. Starting defenders Elanna Brady, April Perry (1A), Amanda Martin (SC) and Jeanel Leon (Stetson) contributed to keeping the games scoreless while allowing both keepers to not have to make too many saves. Subbing in at defense with recent game injuries to Brady, Leon, and Martin were Kayla Fisher, Hunter Koziara (Kentucky) and new signee Aleja Sanchez with subs Stephany Diaz (Anderson) and Hunter Matson (Bucknell). The midfield also provides some defensive pressure (and offensive attack) with Shelby Denkert, Jessica Clark, Christine Kindt (1G), Flor Baldassini (Stetson) and Cynthia Peretti, Nicole DiPasquale, Natasha Perez (1A), Chama Silva (NSU). Seemlessly interchangeable Midfield/Forwards all providing the 13 goal offensive attack are UM’s Krissy Fisher (3G 5A) Eva Castano Candela (4G 1A) Bri Austin (Villanova) (2G 1A) and Chrissy Gratz (2G) backed up by Courtney Hueston and Chelsea Benavides. Also on the squad but yet to see game time Dominique Brown and returning from her honeymoon soon Christina Chang. Still unable to play yet while awaiting International Clearance Shanoska Young and JahNya Press from their recent stints in Israel.
Fourth year head coach Ramiro Vengoechea leads the team with part time assistance from coaches Maria Moira and Iko DeOliviera. The team practices and plays at their new home venue Scheck Hillel Community School in North Miami. Admission is FREE (ID required for security entrance). All home matches are Live Streamed on the WPSL MyCujoo app courtesy of MagicCity Soccer and SoccerDroid.
The Surge have two games remaining in conference play and can seal their playoff hopes with a win at home on Sunday 6/23 versus Orlando Kicks. Regional playoffs will be held at the winner of the Gulf Conference July 12-14 with that winning team moving on to WPSL Championship Final Four in Oklahoma July 19-21. Surge has made Regionals a couple of times most recently in 2017 in Charleston.
Fundraising will be crucial to the team’s travel in post season play. Corporate/Business sponsors are still welcome (sponsor form available on team website at www.fcsurgesoccer.com) and the team has a GoFundMe page for individual donations at Gofundme.com/fcsurge2019.