Last weekend, the Stars traveled to Rockford to compete in the NSR Region II Cup.  In the first game, they took on the NSA Comets.  Lauren Gotchie played the entire game in goal and did a  great job.  The staunch defense of Holly Gotchie, Maya Bonie, Haley Brewer, and Angeline Lewis played very well.  Maddie Woolf was a force on the field, seemingly challenging every ball. Maddie opened the scoring with a perfectly placed ball from about 25 yards.  The Comets scored to tie the game before half-time. Both teams had trouble finding the net in the second half, but Kaylee Zimbelmann struck a beautiful ball from almost mid-field for the game winner.  

In game two, the Stars played Chicago Fire Juniors top level U10 team.  After a five and a half hour break between games, the Stars came out very flat.  Balls that they challenged in the first game were not in the second.  Chicago Fire scored first after a penalty was called just outside the box.  A poorly constructed wall of players let the shot past and Maya Bonie's vision was screened, preventing her from making a save.  The score remained 1-0 until only minutes were left in the game.  Lauren Gotchie punted from her own goal all the way across the field.  Rachel Savaglio sprinted down the field and managed to catch up the ball and slide-shoot the ball past the keeper at the last possible second.  Unfortunately, the game ended in a 1-1 tie.  

The third qualifying game pitted the Stars against the NSA Thunder with the winner to move on to the championship.  Riley Cassian started the scoring to give the Stars the 1-0 lead.  The Thunder tied the game and it remained tied at the half.  In the second half, the Stars exploded for 4 goals.  Haley Brewer scored off an beautiful corner kick from Kaylee Zimbelmann and scored again before the game ended.  The Thunder committed a hand ball penalty in the box and Kaylee coolly placed the ball past the keeper.  The final score was tallied by Holly Sutkay for the 5-1 win and sent the Stars to the championship game after winning their bracket.  

In the championship game, the Stars took on another Chicago Fire Juniors team.  Early on, the Stars committed a handball in the box and the Fire scored the penalty kick.  The score remained tied until the Fire managed a second score for the 2-0 win.  The Stars took second in a highly competitive tournament.  Many players played very well, including Nicole Alvarez, Mia Laksitgala and Morgan Loncala.  The tournament was a very good test for the Stars and will hopefully keep them in the hunt for a league championship this Spring.