The Auburn Youth Soccer Association Blast U11 girls team finished up its season earlier this month with a 16-1 record and a semi-final appearance in the Sports Authority Washington Youth Soccer Recreational Cup tournament.

The Blast, composed of players from Auburn, Covington, Bonney Lake and Puyallup, soared into the tourney with the District 3 title and won the quarterfinal game 3-2 on penalty kicks.

At the Recreational Cup the Blast were unable to overcome the Kirkland Cheetahs, losing 1-0 to the eventual state champs.

“As she did all season long, Blast goalkeeper Rebecca Eskers was outstanding, with seven saves on the day,” said Coach Bob Kickner. “Stopper Charlotte Baryo chased the Cheetah offense away from the box, while leading goal scorer Angelique Cyr worked her way through the defensive maze provided by the opponent. As a parent, coach, sports fan, the pure joy in these kids playing hard for fun and family was an experience unlike anything I have encountered in my 20 years as a professional in college sports. It was so cool to be reminded that sports are games meant for fun.”