The Pateadores GU17 IER team won the 2014 Nomads Coaches Showcase, outplaying a 16-team field in a grueling 5-game weekend in San Diego without conceding a single goal.
Coach Norma Mendez guided the team to strong finishes in each of three group games, in which they outscored their opponents 8-0 overall. The semifinal was a closer contest, but the Pateadores rose to the occasion with a thrilling first-half team goal and held on to win 1-0.
The championship game, against a tough, skilled Anaheim Surf team, was a scrappy battle of wills as both teams fought off fatigue and injury, trying to close out the long weekend on a high. The Pats' defense, even with some interesting forced adjustments due to injuries, continued the shutout streak, dramatically clearing the ball off the line more than once. Coach Norma's defensive changes helped the team shut down their opponent, but the Surf defense was sturdy as well and after regulation and 20 minutes of overtime, the score was still 0-0.
The inevitable penalty kick shootout was just as close through the first 6 rounds, with only one miss for each team. But the next Surf shooter hit the crossbar with her attempt, and the final Pats' player buried hers to ultimately claim the championship for the team from Redlands.