GULF COAST CONFERENCE FINAL

LA KREWE RUSH TAKE GULF COAST CONFERENCE TITLE WITH 2-1 WIN 

Gulf Coast Conference Final
LA KREWE RUSH  2-1  Pensacola FC

LA Krewe Rush crushed Pensacola FC’s hopes of a third WPSL championship Wednesday with a 2-1 win in the Gulf Coast Conference Final at in Lafayette, La. 

The Delta Basin Division champs stunned the Third Coast Division and No. 1 team in the country taking the lead in the sixth minute when Salma Elhaimer (McNeese State University 2022- ) outpaced her defender off the dribble and slotted the ball just inside the far post past a charging Jaidin Kinch (University of South Alabama 2023- ) for her 11th goal in seven appearances for Rush this season. 

Rush doubled the lead in the 44th minute when Brea Bailey (Alabama A&M 2025- ) hit a stunning first-time shot putting it just inside the post off a cross from the right flank for her second goal of the season. 

Paige Phillips pulled a goal back for Pensacola in the 54th minute, heading home a cross from the right side for her 11th goal on the season. 

Pensacola had the run of play for the remainder of the match throwing everyone forward, including Kinch for a last-second corner kick and the frenzy that followed but could not find the equalizer.

With the win, LA Krew Rush advance to the South Region Playoffs hosted by McLean Soccer, The District Division and Atlantic Conference champions July 12 and 13 in Northern Virginia. 

LA Krewe Rush: Lauryn Starwood; Rammie Noel, Sarah Portis, Hailly Waterhouse, Shealbie Whatley; Amelia Majtczak, Keely McLeod, Sophie Vines; Andi Hughes, Salma Elhaimer, Raegan Latiolais. 

Substitutes: Ashley Manning, Audrian Cruz, Brea Bailey, Larae Breaux, Maria Portas, 
Olivia Gautreaux

Pensacola FC: Jaidin Kinch; Aila Swinton, Ava Matherne, Bailey Erwig, Emma Beltz, Isabela Labovic, Jillian Thompson, Paige Phillips, Rainey Niles, Sydney Magliocca, Zivana Labovic.

Substitutes: Addison Smith, Elexia Nelson, Emily Smith, Hunter Wallace, Olivia Quiroz, Rhiannon Tkac.

Lafayette Christian Academy Stadium
Lafayette, La. 

1-0: Salma Elhaimer 6’
2-0: Brea Bailey 41’
2-1: Paige Phillips 54’