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As Girls Move On, Team Says It's Been a
Kick
WINTER
HAVEN | After six years and two trips to their league's championship game,
Winter Haven Kicks team members and the coaches who guided them are about to
go their separate ways.
Most of the players on the under-18/19 competitive soccer team will soon be
too old for the USA League and head off to college.
"I feel sad about it," said Kristen Weeks. "The team's probably not going to
exist next year."
For a team that was formed from a recreational All-Star team six years ago,
the Kicks have come a long way. Six players remain from the original group.
They ended their season 13-2-1 and reached the Division I championship game
for the second year in a row.
Their only losses were to FC Tampa Blue Lightning, and one of those came in
the title game, 2-1.
The team will have to wait until March for another shot at the Blue
Lightning at the Region C Cup Tournament.
"Hopefully we will see them in the spring," said coach Allan Langford, who
has been with the program since its beginning.
The Kicks scored 48 goals in the fall season while holding opponents to just
15 goals.
Four remained from last year's Division I team. The rest moved up from last
year's second-place Division II squad.
Cassara Tabler returned even though she is attending Landmark College. Ally
Dickerson is attending Central Florida but still makes it back for games.
Eden Ortiz and Rachel Clark play for Polk State, Jessi Crow attends
Southeastern and Holly Kinchen was signed by Polk State College.
"They blended well together," Langford said. "We have no prima donnas. That
helps. We don't stress who has the most goals."
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