With their backs against the wall, the DME Academy 2012 Girls rise again. Against top opposition, brutal conditions, and a familiar rival, DME successfully defended their Dimitri Cup top-bracket title, outlasting Orlando City ECNL in a commanding penalty kick victory to claim back-to-back championships.

Group Play: Statement Made

DME finished group play 2–1:

• 6–0 win over RL rival Cape Coral

• 5–1 win over Girls Academy side Pinecrest

• 1–0 loss to Orlando City

Sometimes the soccer gods hand you a lesson before they hand you a trophy. This team listened.

Across the tournament, the numbers told the story: 11 goals scored, only 2 conceded—the best offense and best defense among the six teams in the group.

The Final: Adapt, Compete, Win

The championship match demanded more than style. Battling 30 mph winds, DME adapted on the fly:

• First half: calm possession, control the tempo and created many chances

• Second half: physical, resilient, relentless — and unapologetically returning the favor.

The DME girls were out-physicaled earlier in group play by Orlando City, but they adjusted their game to the opponent and the weather. Every player stepped up. Every role mattered and the girls outplayed the competition.

PK’s: Pressure Is the Point

When the final ended with a 0-0 tie, it went to penalties. There was no panic from DME and the order of takers was decided months ago during training.  While Orlando City took time to find shooters willing to step up, DME 2012 girls have their shooters.

• Yani Gonzalez opened with confidence, setting the tone.

• Charlotte Haverstick saved Orlando City’s first attempt.

• Cecilia Antista made it 2–0, applying the pressure on Orlando’s next taker.

• Haverstick saved again.

• Silvana Burgos clipped the crossbar.

• Orlando City missed once again, now three straight misses.

• Milan Quartuccio buried the winner with ease.

Game over. Title secured. DME celebrates another trophy.

“This team continues to take down pro clubs, ECNL and GA teams from across the world,” said Assistant Coach Scott Morgenoth.
“When PKs come up, we know we’re going to win. We trust our goalkeeper, and we trust kids who want the ball when it matters.”

Earlier this year, both DME and Orlando City traveled to the 75th WAGS Tournament. Both competed in the second bracket of 14. DME went undefeated in Virginia. Orlando City went defeated on the trip.

“Eventually we knew our paths would cross and we were looking forward to it.” Says, Winger and CAM Maddie Maddox.

“The best thing about this group,” Head Coach Jared Antista said, “They play for each other. They defend as a unit, they look for the open player when in possession. They train harder during the season than most teams and they’ve got a winning mindset but perhaps my favorite part about this team is that they adapt.”

What’s Next

There’s no time to celebrate. The team returns to training Tuesday, preparing for California and the Surf Nationals Champions League, where they’ll face top competition from across the country as the only non-Surf club invite to this prestigious 2012 only event.

At DME, results matter, but standards matter more and once again, the DME Academy 2012 Girls proved they can play with and against anyone.