Three Penn Fusion teams chasing a national title at ECNL finals in Richmond

Penn Fusion will be well represented in Richmond this week as three teams chase a national title at the ECNL Girls finals in Richmond.

The Penn Fusion girls 2009, 2008 and 2007 teams all booked a spot in the finals with a strong showing at the National Playoffs in Seattle next month. Now they are three wins away from lifting a trophy in Richmond, Virginia.

Penn Fusion is one of five clubs nationally with three or more team in the finals and the only club on the East Coast with more than two teams. They are also the lone representative of clubs from Eastern Pennsylvania.

“We are proud to be part of a select group of clubs across the nation sending three teams to the ECNL National Championships / Elite 8,” said Tino Mueller, Penn Fusion’s Technical Director. “This is a testament to several years of hard work put in by the players, parents, and club staff.”

The 2007 girls kick off at 8 a.m. Wednesday against a team from California club Slammers FC. The 2008 girls follow with a game at 10 a.m. against Real Colorado. The 2009 girls kick off their quarterfinal at noon against San Diego Surf.

Craig Scangarella coaches the 2007 and 2008 girls teams and Ellis Badillo coaches the 2009 girls.

The 2009 girls finished the regular season with a 10-2-1 record tied on points for second place in the North Atlantic Conference, the 2008 girls posted a perfect 13-0-0 record to finish first and the 2007 girls finished first with a 12-0-1 record during the regular season.