Two Dakota Fusion girls soccer teams to play in National Presidents Cup
FARGO (KVRR) – If you look up the word underdog in the dictionary, it is defined as ‘A competitor thought to have little chance of winning a fight or contest.’ That’s how you can describe the 2008 Dakota Fusion Girls soccer program.
They were told they were not good enough. That can crush a player’s confidence. But not this roster. This team is off to play in the National Presidents Cup in Florida, proving their doubters wrong along the way.
“We’ve been told in the past that we were never good enough,” said 2008 Head Coach, Cody Wright. “Sometimes it takes a coach, some parents to really step in and make sure that they have faith in these girls. And so, just continuing to support these girls all of the way and believing in them. I think that has just helped us. And them having belief in themselves.”
One of their biggest champions is their head coach, Cody Wright. The coach that didn’t give up on them while many others did. Something these players will never forget.
“Just really believed in us and helped us learn who we are,” said Corrine Cossette, a captain on the roster. “Like I said, she focuses on making us great soccer players but also great people on and off the field. We really work on supporting each other, whether the result on the field is the way you want it and we couldn’t have done it without her.”
The 2008 squad needed a win against the Chicago Inferno in the Regional Presidents Cup after starting the tournament with two draws. After claiming the 1-0 win, they knew what that meant. They had punched their ticket to the national stage in Tampa, Florida.
“When the whistle blew it was a big deal. We knew right away, hugging, crying. I just fell to the ground. It’s a huge deal.” said Cossette.
“It was surreal. It was pretty amazing. I’m super happy for the girls. It’s been a long time coming. So well deserved for them.” said Wright.
This roster is full of talent from the EDC soccer conference. That includes the 2010 roster that will also play in the Presidents Cup. Schools include Davies, Fargo North and South, Grand Forks Red River, Shanley and West Fargo Sheyenne that have players representing the region.
A team hungry to make some noise against national talent in Florida.
“I’ve been hydrating, getting ready for the heat. Just a big deal because some of us want to play in college and it’s a great opportunity to support those that want to play in college.” said Cossette.
DFA 2008 open their tournament run on Friday against Lancaster Elite FC at 10:00 a.m. in the 17U Girls Division. While DFA 2010 will take on Whethersfield U14 Navy at 11 a.m. on Friday in the 15U Girls Division.
DAKOTA FUSION ACADEMY 2008 GIRLS NATIONAL PRESIDENTS CUP ROSTER:
#11 Alivia Anderson
#28 Bailey Simone
#30 Ava Bowen
#50 Danica Clasen
#10 Corinne Cossette
#19 Ava Dorsam
#1 Jadyn Eggert
#80 Kaylie Gaffney
#20 Hayley Hoff
#17 Emma Jaszkowiak
#61 Lennon Linback
#53 Briella Martin
#42 Emma Rohrich
#74 Ava Rudolph
#34 Neila Neila Sabanovic
#3 Kelsey Schulz
#49 Harper Schulz
#88 Dela Voegele
DAKOTA FUSION ACADEMY 2010 GIRLS NATIONAL PRESIDENTS CUP ROSTER:
#26 Layla Becker
#72 Ella Bry
#0 Kiana Cruz
#44 Anna Dorfmeister
#32 Quinn Erickson
#50 Evelyn Frank
#40 Alexia Giannopoulos
#84 Reagan Hodny
#22 Taylor Hodny
#46 Hudson Hofer
#97 Jackson Hadley
#2 Elizabeth Kallenbach
#36 Makenna Kiland
#12 Kenley Kolness
#52 Ily Mattern
#95 Elaina Melendez
#8 Jaden Melendez
#5 Alexis Preston
#25 Evangeline Rivas
#56 Claire Roney
