New West Barcelona had a promising opening at the Pacific Coast Super Cup soccer championships.
The under-15 Royal City Soccer Club girls' side finished the first leg of the college showcase tournament with two wins in Tukwila, Washington last month.
Barca blanked FC Portland 2-0 in the opening game on Jan. 28.
Rachel Hutchinson opened the scoring in the 15th minute, finishing off an Ally Fabian cross inside the 18-yard box.
Juliet Davies added a goal following a strong run down the left side in the second half. Barca goalkeeper Kirstan Rodriques stopped two serious attempts at goal to preserve the shutout.
The following day, Barca came back to post a 2-1 victory over Tualatin United from Portland, Oregon on Davies' one timer from the top of the box.
New West trailed 1-0 early in the match, but regained its poise in the latter half.
Hutchinson drew the two teams even with a successful penalty kick after Barca striker Tia Lore was fouled inside the penalty area.
NW Barca will travel to Beaverton, Oregon for the second leg of the Super Cup on Feb. 18, when the Pacific Coast champions will be crowned.
Barcelona is the only Canadian team competing in the invitational tournament that showcases the top teams in the Pacific Northwest. Regional competition mainly comes from the Puget Sound and Oregon premier soccer leagues.
The New Westminster club currently leads the tight Metro Select girls' league u-15 Division 1 with a record of 8-5-1.
tberridge@royalcity
record.com
