FC Indiana Press Release - www.fcindiana.com

Monday, August 11, 2008

SEATTLE, WA - FC Indiana coach Shek Borkowski hopes to lead the Lionesses to more success in 2009 after beating the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) national champions Ajax America Women to win the USASA Open Cup.

The club’s 1-0 triumph at Starfire Soccer Stadium in Seattle, WA on Saturday was the club’s fourth major trophy in four seasons.

"This has been a fantastic season and one we hope to exceed next year," said Borkowski. "The players did everything we asked of them, they put in a good performance and could have scored more goals.”

The first half was filled with chances for both teams with Lauren Sesselmann hitting the cross bar for FC Indiana and Cami Boswell for Ajax.

Sesselmann looked to finally get on the board in the 65th minute when her 18 yard shot bounced off both posts before going out of bounce. In the 88th minute Fatima Leyva’s corner was headed by Sesselmann against the crossbar and Alicia Milyak’s follow-up was blocked on the goal-line by Ajax’ Stephanie Scholl.

In overtime FC Indiana dictated the tempo and it was only a matter of time before midfielder Fatima Leyva took a pass from Laura Del Rio and quickly slotted home a 20 yard shot past Ajax goal keeper Ali Lipsher in the 108th minute.

"It’s a great feeling to win our fourth trophy in four seasons, we’ve got great team spirit and work ethic," said FC Indiana’s captain Fatima Leyva. "Scoring that goal gave me one of the best feelings ever."

Borkowski, whose side has been lauded for their attacking style during the season, realizes that it will be struggle to keep his winning side together. "I think there’s no doubt some players will go, so we have to start again," he said. "We have to try to keep this team and bring in three or four better players."

FC Indiana finished the 2008 season with a 20-1-1 record.