2012, Carmel United Girls had another successful year in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL). With all the teams playing in the A flight of the league, it made for a challenging year with regional and conference league games, as well as, the National Showcase Events. Before heading into the National Championship week, the teams finished their schedule games with both the U17's and U18's finished in 2nd place in their respective Midwest conference. The U14's – U16's all had respectable finishes either in 3rd, 4th, or 5th place.
June 24th - 30th, the ECNL concluded its 2011-12 season with the National Final event at Waukegan Sports Park, in Waukegan, Il. The National event lasted seven days with the U14's and U15's playing early in the week, followed by the U15's –U18's capping a week of top–caliber girls’ soccer action which drew nearly 300 teams and thousands of spectators from across the country. Both the U14's and U15's won 2 out of the 3 games games over three days. The 15's finished in 19th position for their first year in the league.
On Wednesday the U18's came in a day early to play in the top 16 bracket. During the course of the year, the team had claimed enough points to make it into the championship flight of 16 teams at the National Event. The team played very well but unfortunately lost in a PK Shoot-out vs. the Michigan Hawks. It was the Michigan Hawks U18's who went on to win the U18 National Championship. The next two days the team came back and won on consecutive days in a PK Shoot-out to advance to play Stars of Mass. In a thrilling match up vs. the Stars of Mass, the team lost 3-2. It was an exciting finish to a successful year and helped the club gain more Club points towards the overall club championship standings.
Thursday through Saturday, the U16's and U17's played for 17th position. Both teams were unfortunate not to be competing for a National Title as they finished 17th and 19th respectfully. After the weekend of games and winning 2 games a piece with the 16's picking up anther tie, both teams finished their overall seasons very well and in good standings.
Overall Club Standings Announced:
The Elite Clubs National League has announced Slammers FC as the 2012 ECNL Overall Club Champion, the league’s most coveted championship. To view the final 2012 ECNL Club Rankings, click here.
Congratulations to all the girls and coaches involved in the ECNL this past year. It is quite an amazing achievement to finish the season in 12th place overall.