Benicia Arsenal F.C. 95 girls finish second with 2 wins and 1 loss in NorCal State Cup silver division.  Arsenal started their quest for the NorCal State Cup on April 14^th versus Pacific FC Navigators of Lodi California.  Benicia started the game strong and fast with a goal by Baylee Rowley in the first 8 minutes. Once Arsenal scored the goal they took control of the game with strong mid-field play by Michelle Li, Michelle Minnehan, Gabriel Hingley, Kimberly Fiori and Kristina Ruble.  Arsenal was able to preserve the early goal and a 1 – 0 victory to move them into the semi-finals.

The Semi-final game took place on May 5^th versus Cap FC United from Modesto California.  Benicia again came out hard and fast playing a beautiful game.  Coach Joshua Bradley said that the first 20 minutes of the game Arsenal played the best game they have played all season, the way the team was passing the ball and creating space could not have been more beautiful.  By the time Cap FC knew what hit them they were down 2 – 0. The first goal was a created by Michelle Li scoring with a piercing shot from 25 yards out, and Kimberly Fiori scored the second goal off of combination play that created a 1v1 opportunity for Fiori to put the ball in the back of the net.  After going up 2-0 Benicia’s defense led by Dominique Calloway, Baylee Rowley, Emily Wolfe and Abigail Heuschel took over and controlled the rest of the game.  Cap FC was able to put in a last second goal, but it was too late, Arsenal was on their way to the championships the next day. 

The AFC 95 girl’s team took a 2 game winning streak into the championship match versus Cal Blues Alliance 96.  Cal Blues was Arsenals first game of the season way back in July that game ended up with the Blues winning 7-2; Arsenal was not going to let that happen again.  The game started with both teams playing cautious, at about the 20-minute mark, Cal Blues struck with a penetrating pass down the middle that put the Blues player 1v1 on the Arsenal keeper.  Blues went up 1-0 and it stayed that way going into half.  Coach Bradley gave the team an inspirational speech at half time and Arsenal was able to equalize the score 14 seconds into the second half.  The goal was created by Michelle Li and Kimberly Fiori taking the kick off working combination passes all the way down the field, until Fiori was in front of the goal and put the ball in the back of the net.  Cal Blues picked up the tempo but Arsenal defense led by goalkeeper Alexa Torres and Dominique Calloway kept the blues from scoring.  Alas, the Blues finally found their way to goal and was able to put away the game-winning goal.  During this game Arsenal played the game without 3 starting defensive players and lost top goal scorer Michelle Li early in the second half.  Arsenal still fought and played their hearts out till the last whistle.  Coach Bradley told the team after the heart breaking defeat that they all should hold their heads high and that he was very proud of all of them.

Bottom left-Right: Kristina Ruble, Abigail Heuschel, Virginia Henderson, Dominique Calloway, Baylee Rowley, Brandy Caffey.  Top Left-Right: Sara Hingley, Anjuli Peters, Gaby Hingley, Alexa Torres, Gianna Nardone, Emily Wolfe, Jenna Rogenski, Kimberly Fiori, Carly Prompradit, Breanna McBride, Michelle Li, Michelle Minahen, Coach Joshua Bradley.