The Old Greenwich Riverside Community Center (OGRCC) is proud to celebrate a historic achievement as the Thunder Blue U11 Girls Soccer Team captured the Connecticut State Cup Championship, becoming the first girls’ team in Thunder Soccer program history to earn the prestigious title.
In a thrilling and hard-fought final against Monroe, Thunder Blue battled to a 3-3 draw in regulation before advancing to an intense penalty shootout. Showing remarkable composure, determination, and teamwork, the girls emerged victorious, claiming the Connecticut State Cup Championship.
Led by Head Coach Gabe Stan, the team demonstrated resilience throughout the match, overcoming multiple challenges and never backing down against a talented Monroe squad. Their championship run reflects months of hard work, dedication, and commitment from both players and coaches.
“This is a truly special moment for the Thunder Soccer Travel Program,” said OGRCC’s Travel Soccer Director, Simon Rumbold. “To see these young athletes achieve something no Thunder girls’ team has accomplished before is incredibly exciting. Their determination, sportsmanship, and belief in one another were on full display throughout the tournament and especially in the championship match. We have a strong travel soccer program, and it’s fantastic to see the great results!”
Alistair Lonsdale, Coaching Director for Girls Thunder Soccer, said,“The State Cup victory marks a significant milestone for the Thunder Soccer program and highlights the continued growth and success of girls’ soccer at OGRCC. Over the past seven years, Coerver Coaching CT has enjoyed a rewarding partnership with the Thunder program. I want to commend Coach Alan Johnson and Coach Gabe Stan for their exceptional work developing skills with these athletes over the last four years; we are incredibly proud of these girls and the dedication they have shown.”
The entire OGRCC community congratulates Coach Gabe Stan and every member of the Thunder Blue U11 Girls team on this historic accomplishment. Their names will forever be remembered as the first Thunder girls’ team to bring home a Connecticut State Cup Championship.
The Old Greenwich-Riverside Community Center (OGRCC) promotes a sense of community by providing recreational, athletic, educational, and social programs. Celebrating more than 80 years of providing programs and events to the Greenwich community, the OGRCC has increased its membership from 30 in 1943 to nearly 1,800 today and expanded its programming to offer a wide variety of social, educational, and athletic programs – thanks to strong leadership and an engaged Board of Directors. Community volunteers and financial support continue to be an essential component of the growth of the OGRCC! More information may be found on the web at myogrcc.org or by calling 203-637-3659