Mighty BlueBirds 2002 Ozark Classic Cup

The Mighty Bluebirds defended their Ozark Classic title from 2001 by winning the 2002 Ozark Classic in the girls U-13 Classic Division. The Bluebirds had very tough competition in the tournament tying the Cosby Hurricane from Tulsa, Oklahoma 1-1 in game one, defeating FC United 3-0 in game two, and defeating Conway Ice 6-0 in game three. Because of the tie in the first game the Bluebirds were forced to beat their last two opponents by a score of 3-0 or more in order to have a chance to qualify for the finals. The Cosby Hurricane was the Bluebirds toughest opponent and they too beat all of their opponents handily setting up a shootout to see who would go to the finals. In the shootout the Bluebirds made three of their first four penalty kicks while the Cosby Hurricane made only one of four and the Bluebirds advanced without having to have all of their kickers shoot. Making penalty kicks in the shootout were Caroline Benton, Annie DeCoursey, and Haley Whisenhunt. Kelsey Hatcher was on deck waiting to be the fifth shooter but was not needed.

In the final the Bluebirds played the Blue Valley Stars from Kansas City, Missouri. The Blue Valley Stars breezed through their brackets and took a 1-0 lead on the Bluebirds in the first half. With nine minutes to go in the second half Kelsey Hatcher spun after receiving the ball with her back to the goal and hit a shot from the edge of the box that went up and over the keepers hands to tie the game at 1 all. With about four minutes to go Ashley Moskow had a brilliant shot that hit off the post but didn't go in and the Bluebirds were forced to go into overtime. After a scoreless overtime it came down to penalty kicks where the Bluebirds excelled again.

Bluebird goalie, Bethany Morrison stopped the first three kicks of the Blue Valley Stars including one which was a completely outstretched diving save to stop the ball about three feet from the corner. Bluebirds Caroline Benton, Tracy Powell, and Annie DeCoursey nailed the first three penalty kicks and the match was over. Haley Whisenhunt and Kelsey Hatcher stood ready to shoot but were not needed.

The win at the Ozark Cup marked the fourth tournament win of the season for the Bluebirds in five tries with their only loss coming to a U-14 team in the finals giving the Bluebirds five consecutive final appearances for the Fall 2002 season. The Bluebird defense has been stingy all season and even against the very best opponents, but what was impressive about this was that the Bluebirds managed to beat two of the best teams they have played all year despite not really having all the things go their way. The defense was led by goalie Bethany Morrison, sweeper Amanda Janton, outside defenders Kaylee Flowers, and Caty McMains. Abby Bloom at stopper scored two goals during the tournament while Jonie Block was a defensive force for the Bluebirds as well. Leading the way in goals scored for the tournament were Kelsey Hatcher with four, Caroline Benton with three, Annie DeCoursey with three, Ashley Moskow with two, Abby Bloom with two, while Haley Whisenhunt, Tracy Powell, and Katie Udron all scored one each.