FC Indiana win US Open Cup National Championship

Story courtesy FC Indiana Public Relations

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (August 9, 2008) - FC Indiana coach Shek Borkowski hopes to lead the club to more success in 2009 after beating the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) champions Ajax America Women to win the US Open Cup. The club's 1-0 triumph at Starfire Soccer Stadium in Seattle, WA on Saturday was their fourth major trophy in four seasons.

"This has been a fantastic season and one we hope to exceed next year," said Borkowski. "The players did everything we asked of them, they put in a good performance and could have scored more goals.”

The first half was filled with chances for both teams with Lauren Sesselmann hitting the cross bar for FC Indiana and Cami Boswell for Ajax.

Sesselmann looked to score the game winner in the 65th minute when her 18 yard shot bounced off both post before going out of bounce. In the 88th minute Fatima Leyva’s corner was headed by Sesselmann against the crossbar and Alicia Milyak’s follow-up was blocked on the goal-line by Ajax’ Stephanie Scholl.

In overtime, FC Indiana dictated the tempo and it was a matter of time before midfielder Fatima Leyva took a pass from Laura Del Rio and quickly slotted home a 20 yard shot past Ajax goal keeper Ali Lipsher in the hundred eight minute.

"It's a great feeling to win our fourth trophy in four seasons - we've got a great team spirit and work ethic," said FC Indiana’s captain Fatima Leyva. "Scoring that goal gave me one of the best feelings ever."

Borkowski believes his side deserved to lift the US Open Cup because of the brand of soccer they have played. "I think the way that we have played this season, I think we deserved this victory.”

The Pole, whose side have been lauded for their attacking style during the season, realizes that it will be struggle to keep his winning side together.

"I think there's no doubt some players will go, so we have to start again," he said. "We have to try to keep this team and bring in three or four better players."

FC Indiana finish the 2008 season with a 20-1-1 record.

About FC Indiana
Based in Lafayette, Indiana and playing home matches at Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis, FC Indiana is the world's leading women’s professional soccer club. FC Indiana is the most successful women’s professional soccer organization in the United States. FC Indiana is two-time Women’s Premier League Champions (2005 and 2007) and winners of the 2005 U.S. Open Cup. For more information, visit www.fcindiana.com

About the W-League
In operation since 1995, the W-League is currently the highest-level women's soccer league in North America. The league features 41 teams for the 2008 season ranging all over the United States and Canada. The league is recognized throughout the world for providing elite competition for women's players while providing affordable family entertainment. For more information, visit wleague.uslsoccer.com