Soccer Belles

The biggest game of King of the Hill is shaping up nicely at 7,000 feet. July 15-17 brings all the soccer teams from Colorado to Steamboat Springs for the annual Mountain tournament to determine state supremacy. The Steamboat Strikers(U-10), coached by Bill and Ted of Excellent Adventure fame, are gelling as a team and are blessed to have the powerful leg of Caroline "Drive" Lupori in the event of any shootouts. If her performance at the Border Battle in Grand Junction in May is any indication, the younger girls should improve on their fourth place finish in that tourney. A quiet leader pictured here with team physician Chicago Sling, "Drive" personifies stealth, and should be more than ready to take on all comers in the upcoming tourney on home turf. Caroline's sister, Ellese, shown below, leads the U-13's. The older Lupori is a seasoned veteran on the pitch and is surely looking to avenge a loss to Grand Junction in the Border Battle. The loss was especially agonizing as it was played on a literally uneven playing field and facilitated by the hometown ref, Jackpot Cruikshank, who extended injury time indefinitely until his 19 year old daughter could put in the game "winner." Look for Lupori to drill a couple through early to remove the possibility of a repeat of the travesty. One disgruntled Steamboat supporter was overheard saying, " I can't wait to get those bitches at altitude."
The Grand Junction roadtrip also involved an exhibition race between Steamboat FC striker Kenzie G. and the crippled old man who carries the water and oranges for "Drive." In a stunning upset, Sling won! The video below cuts off abruptly but rest assured Sling won, and Kenzie should be especially motivated to win the Steamboat tourney next month. Sling is reported to have retired from racing, but his son, "Condor" should be available for any 6 yard dash challenges from anyone.