The 92 Shockers, a 3v3 soccer team that includes two Richmond Hill players, captured the 15U Girls Soccer Nationals Title earlier this month at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Athletic Complex in Orlando, Fla.
After making it to the Final Four the previous two years, the Shockers’ third appearance at the Disney Nationals was the charm.
The self-coached 92 Shockers team is comprised of Richmond Hill High School sophomore Lindsey Vasher, Richmond Hill native Randi Friess, St. Vincent’s sophomore Alana Kaplan and Glynn Academy sophomore Devon McKloskey. All four have been teammates in Savannah’s Coastal Georgia Soccer Association, Athena "A" Division, since 2003.
Playing with just one substitute, the Shockers went undefeated as they fought their way to the top in the Disney-hosted tournament. They overcame obstacles as they played seven up-tempo and physically draining games over a three-day period in the brutal Central Florida heat and humidity.
They outscored their opponents 57-14 throughout the course of the tournament. Squeaking through the semi-finals with a tight 3-2 decision over a Florida team, the Shockers were all business. They dismantled the only other undefeated team, also from Florida, in a decisive 6-3 final round victory.
With the win, the 92 Shockers look to defend their National 3v3 Championship in 2009. They are considering adding a fifth or sixth player to their roster. Most participating 3v3 teams had six players and multiple coaches, which makes the four-member, self-coached Shockers’ victory even more impressive.
3v3 Soccer is the fastest growing soccer format in the United States. It has simple rules and lots of action to keep the players active throughout the game. Games are played with three players at a time on the field for each team. Fields are smaller in size than regulation soccer fields. Most teams use a rotating substitute system to allow all players more time on the field and to provide adequate breaks during the hot summer games. Challenge Sports coordinates 3v3 Soccer on the National Scene.
Three other local teams – the 13U Richmond Hill Mongoose, the 7U Richmond Hill Dragons and the 13U Lady Raiders – also qualified to compete at the event. The Lady Raiders chose not to attend the Disney event while the Mongoose and Dragons were eliminated early in the tournament.