LATE GOAL PUTS CALIFORNIA STORM INTO
WPSL CHAMPIONSHIPS FINAL

 

STILLWATER, OKLA. — California Storm is one step closer to making history with its 1-0 win over Chattanooga FC in the WPSL Championships Semifinal Friday night. 

 

Erica Grilione scored the winner in the 81st minute to put Storm back into its ninth WPSL Championship match—the most of any team in league history. The Storm is playing for its sixth WPSL Championship, also more than any other team in league history.

 

“This was just an incredible match. Big props to Chattanooga,” Jamie Levoy, California Storm coach and executive director, said. “Obviously, they are a well-organized team. And it was just a really good battle of grit on both sides.”

 

 

The two clubs traded blows from the opening whistle. With both sides playing extremely high defensive lines, much of the match was spent with both teams looking for seams either through or over the defensive lines. 

 

Storm goalkeeper, Abbie Faingold, was called to action early and often, recording seven saves in the match. Her play coming off her line stymied multiple Chattanooga breaks, including one in the 10th minute when center back Jordan Crockett sent Reese McDermott in on goal. With a good jump on the ball, Faingold was able to win the ball just outside of the penalty area and play it away to safety. 

 

Two minutes later McDermott was played in over the top again, this time by Natalie Beckman, but Faingold was again up to the task, turning away McDermott’s driven shot. 

 

 

Photo by Cody Roper

 

In the 21^st minute it was McDermott again betting in behind the Storm defense. And again it was Faingold, saving spectacularly to her right to keep the score line at zeros. 

 

The second half started as the first half ended, with both sides trading blows. The goalkeepers at both ends played big parts in keeping the game level at zero. 

 

At the hour mark, Storm was getting the better chances, forcing Chattanooga goalkeeper Maddie Smith—a former Storm player—to have to make several saves in traffic to keep Chattanooga in the game. 

 

 

Photo by Cody Roper

 

In the 64^th minute Chattanooga’s best chance came when Kennedy Ball slapped a spectacular side volley off the crossbar. 

 

From there, the field began to tilt for the Storm, until the reigning champs finally broke through in the 81st minute when Grilione turned Crocket at the top of the box and blasted her shot into the upper left corner to put Storm back into the WPSL Final for the third time in four years. 

 

“I'm so proud of our team for stepping up and just playing hard and playing as a unit. Honestly, everybody played well. And it was a whole team effort,” Levoy said. 

 

Next up, Storm faces first-year club, Sporting CT, in the WPSL Championships Final at Neal Patterson Stadium on the campus of Oklahoma State University. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. (CDT). Watch live or on-demand on the National Soccer Network.

 

CALIFORNIA STORM: 1
CHATTANOOGA FC: 0

 

California Storm: Abbie Faingold, Alex Klos, Amelia Villa, Devyn Simmons, Elizabeth Hutchison, Elle Quinn, Erica Grilione, Lauren Hunter, Madison Ayson, Paloma Daubert, Riley West. Substitutes: Ariana Calderon, Cameron Silva, Dakota Harris, Leila Hawkins, Rowan Willson, Sadie Leal-Schuman, Susie Long, Yasmin Azar.

 

Chattanooga FC: Amelia Neal, Hannah Tillett, Jordan Crockett, Kasie Vigil, Kaylie Smith, Kei Yoneda, Kennedy Ball, Maddie Smith, Natalie Beckman, Nmesoma Ambrose, Reese McDermott. Substitutes: Annick Lolita Manga Zouma, Bella Valentine, Billie Jean Davies, Hannah Helms, Katherine Jones, Kloe Reeves, Kyleigh Hall, Regina Campa, Ryleigh Ramey.

 

Goals
1-0: Erica Grilione 81’

 

Misconduct
Caution – Sadie Leal Schuman (California Storm) 53’
Caution – Susie Long (California Storm) 58’
Caution – Jordan Crockett (Chattanooga FC) 87’

 

Stats
California Storm/Chattanooga FC
Shots: 6/17
Shots on Target: 6/8
Saves: 7/6
Corner Kicks: 2/8
Offsides: 3/1
Fouls: 11/10