Just four months ago, the members of U11 Rush Pikes Peak Nero girls were a team     on paper only. Twelve players from seven different spring season teams had overcome the nerves of tryouts and earned a spot on the team, but were unsure of what U11 competitive soccer would hold.

After a few weeks of training, the girls played in the Denver Cup against teams in higher league divisions. Their eyes were opened by the top class play of the U11 Colorado Rush team in their first game but they kept their heads up the entire weekend and earned a tie in their final game. 

The girls battled the elements and the opponents at a stormy Players’ Cup tournament the following weekend. The players were starting to learn each others’ tendencies a bit more and understand what their coach, Lauren Meehan, expected from them. A handful of players rotated through goalkeeper and everyone played multiple positions.

Training during league play has been focused on small group attacking and the players are developing their abilities to support one another in the attack and connect passes.  Meehan said about the team, “I love how hard the team works and how much energy they have on attack. I have a great time watching their enthusiasm from the sideline.”

In addition to playing, the Nero girls have been learning all about the Rush culture. The team has learned about three of Rush’s eleven core values and players have been taking advantage of the Tutor Program and Friday Finishing to fit in extra training. The players are also being exposed to higher level women’s soccer through a team watch party for the NWSL Final on October 1 and taking in Air Force vs. Wyoming on October 2.

“I have enjoyed working with this group this season. They play with passion and tenacity and embrace Rush’s philosophy of having freedom without fear when they play,” continued Meehan.

The team faces the second half of its league schedule from now through early November before heading inside for the snowy months.