U14 West Coast Wonder shocked Modesto Ajax when they came back from a 2-0 deficit to take the NorCal Premiere State Cup Championship title in golden goal overtime. Despite Ajax pulling ahead 2-0 early in the first half, Wonder continued to dig deep. After working the ball out of the back, Michia Madison drove up the right side beating three defenders. From the side of the eighteen and a near impossible angle, Madison ripped a shot across the goal that hit the side post and landed in the side net for Wonder’s first goal.
The beginning of second half brought a recharged Wonder to the field as they continued to push forward on offense with incredible ball control and communication. Despite several opportunities earlier in the half, a corner kick sent into the six by McKenna Buti was buried in the net by Madison to even the score 2-2 in the 54th minute. As time continued to wind down, Wonder’s intensity and desire visibly increased. While fending off an overly aggressive defender, Madison again beat defenders up the right side, cut inside and placed a beautiful shot to put Wonder up 3-2. Soon after Ajax evened it out again at 3-3.
Golden Goal overtime brought the best out of West Coast Wonder as they immediately pushed forward offensively into Ajax territory. A hand ball in the box provided a perfect opportunity to seal the title. Lesley Jimenez stepped up to the line and placed a beautiful penalty kick in the left corner to bring West Coast Wonder the first place trophy.