The California Cougars girls under-18 soccer team finished in third place at the California Cup this past weekend in Sacramento.

The Cougars opened with a 3-0 win over East Fresno Fusion. Tracy’s Brianna Murawski, the Cougars’ goalkeeper, shut out the Fusion with the help of a strong defense, which includes Tracy players Alyssa Strope and Melissa Worthington.

The Cougars then tied Elk Grove Pride, 1-1, with Tracy’s Alexis Poppoff scoring the lone goal. The Cougars then tied the California Development Academy, 0-0.

The Cougars won their bracket and advanced to the semifinal game against Cal Northstars. The game was tied 0-0 at the end of regulation play and went straight to penalty kicks, where the Northstars outscored the Cougars, 5-4.

The Cougars under-18 team finished 0-2-1 at the US Club Regionals in Turlock on June 20 to 23. The Cougars opened the tournament and their season with a 3-0 loss against Marin FC Blue 92. The Cougars then tied Elk Grove Pride, 1-1, on a Poppoff goal. The Cougars lost their final game 5-3 to the El Dorado Eclipse.

That weekend, the Cougars under-14 team took third place at the regionals. The Cougars opened preliminary play with a 0-0 tie with Boca 94 and then lost 3-1 to Tracy Revolution. The Cougars under-14 girls are undefeated in 2009 NorCal Spring League play, and posted a 7-0 win over CenCal 95 on June 24 in Stockton.