Team Chicago Academy-Cruzeiro defeated LTSC 3-2 under the lights at PlayUSA last night to move into first place in the MRL Girls U13 First Division West. With the win Cruzeiro remains unbeaten with a 4-0-1 record.

The first half was total Cruzeiro dominance and Kerry Abello got the opener 15 minutes in with a perfect far post finish after latching onto Lauryn Wesoloski’s inch-perfect through-ball. Jamie Goralski doubled the lead a few minutes later with another great far post finish off Mia Lakstigala’s assist.

LTSC got one back with 10 minutes left in the half, but Jordan King got the eventual game-winner off at Kerry Abello corner with 5 minutes left. In the dying minutes of the first half Cruzeiro had several opportunities to put the game out of reach, but to no avail.

The second half opened with more Cruzeiro dominance and chances, but again without the 4th goal to put the game out of reach. And as is often the case in soccer, when you don’t take your chances your opponent will find a goal to get back into the game. LTSC pulled to within one halfway through the second half and caused the final minutes to be a lot nervier than necessary for Cruzeiro.

However, the girls held onto to the 3-2 lead and can now secure a first place finish in MRL with a win against Campton at home on Wednesday, May 22nd at 6pm.

Team Chicago Academy-Brasilia meanwhile continued its unbeaten run in the MRL Girls U14 First Division West with a 1-1 draw away to Chicago-Inter. Emmerson Fuller got the all-important goal for Brasilia.

Brasilia will now travel to Wisconsin this weekend needing two wins to set up an exciting final MRL match of the season on Wednesday, May 22nd at 7:30pm at PlayUSA for first place and promotion to the Premier Division.