Foothills WFC beat LA Galaxy OC, strengthen hold on top of United Women’s Soccer West Conference

Calgary Foothills WFC rebounded from a frustrating draw against Colorado Pride on Friday to win 3-1 against LA Galaxy OC Sunday night in Calgary.

The result keeps Foothills WFC atop the United Women’s Soccer West Conference, ahead of Santa Clarita Blue Heat.

While Foothills WFC head coach Troye Flannery believes the performance wasn’t perfect, he was pleased to see his squad’s positive reaction after unexpectedly dropping points Friday night.

“We had a game plan, but we made some mistakes,” admitted Flannery. “We’ve got some kids on the field. 15-year-old, 16-year-old, 17-year-old and 18-year-olds. So we did some things at times but over all it was a professional performance. We did what we wanted to do. We got three points against a good side and I’m very proud of the group.

“It wasn’t the prettiest football we’ve played. But sometimes you have to adjust to the conditions, adjust to the opposition and (LA Galaxy OC) are a good, good team – typical quality American side. They’re athletic, they’re bombastic, they go forward with purpose.”

It was Jessica Jones who opened the scoring for Foothills WFC in the 19th minute before LA Galaxy OC’s Noel Baham equalized in the 31st minute.

But Mya Jones scored in the 31st minute to re-establish the host’s lead before halftime. And the young attacker tallied again in the 51st minute to the delight of the home fans.

Flannery knew his team would face stiff competition from Sunday’s visitors, whose squad is peppered with USA U23 and U20 internationals. But he was happy to see his players rise to the contest.

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“We knew we’d be in tough, because they were fresh,” said Flannery. “We played Friday night and I’m very proud of the group. And some of the individual performances today were inspired.

“Mya Jones, I’ve known the kid for so long. She’s an ’01 born (born in 2001). It’s my very, very strong opinion for anyone listening or reading this, she’s the best ’01 born player in the country as an attacker.

“She’s special,” continued Flannery. “She does things that other players don’t do. And I’m so proud of her. She’s battling through some injuries right now.”

And Flannery had more praise to spread across his squad.

“Yvonne Northover’s leadership in midfield was on full display – another class player. Our captain, Tori Martyn was good. I just thought as a team we committed to some details today. Jessica Jones was bouncing around as well. It was a good performance.”

Foothills WFC’s next game is against Real Salt Lake Women Friday, June 15. It’s a rematch of Foothills WFC’s first game of the season and Flannery expects the visitors to arrive with an agenda.

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“There a good side and well coached ,” said Flannery. “They’ll be here ready to make amends for their defeat at home. So we have to make sure we don’t do what we did this past Friday and stick with our game plan.”

Calgary Foothills WFC’s next game is against Real Salt Lake Women at Calgary Soccer Centre Friday June 15 at 6:30pm.

Single game and season tickets are available online at www.foothillsfc.ca/tickets/ or at the gate.

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