CALIFORNIA STORM 1-0 CHATTANOOGA FC

Photo by Cory Roper

The California Storm topped Chattanooga FC 1-0 Friday night to earn the chance to become the first back-to-back champions in WPSL history.

Erica Grilione scored the game’s only goal in the 81st minute in one of the most fiercly contested games in the history of the WPSL Championships. 

Storm goalkeeper, Abbie Faingold, earned player of the match plaudits for her seven saves in the harrowing shutout win. 

The semifinal win puts the five-time WPSL Champion through to Sunday’s final at Neal Patterson Stadium on the campus of Oklahoma State University.

Full match report to follow.  

CALIFORNIA STORM: 1
CHATTANOOGA FC: 0

California Storm: Abbie Faingold, Alex Klos, Amelia Villa, Devyn Simmons, Elizabeth Hutchison, Elle Quinn, Erica Grilione, Lauren Hunter, Madison Ayson, Paloma Daubert, Riley West. Substitutes: Ariana Calderon, Cameron Silva, Dakota Harris, Leila Hawkins, Rowan Willson, Sadie Leal-Schuman, Susie Long, Yasmin Azar.

Chattanooga FC: Amelia Neal, Hannah Tillett, Jordan Crockett, Kasie Vigil, Kaylie Smith, Kei Yoneda, Kennedy Ball, Maddie Smith, Natalie Beckman, Nmesoma Ambrose, Reese McDermott. Substitutes: Annick Lolita Manga Zouma, Bella Valentine, Billie Jean Davies, Hannah Helms, Katherine Jones, Kloe Reeves, Kyleigh Hall, Regina Campa, Ryleigh Ramey.

Goals
1-0: Erica Grilione 81’

Misconduct
Caution – Sadie Leal Schuman (California Storm) 53’
Caution – Susie Long (California Storm) 58’
Caution – Jordan Crockett (Chattanooga FC) 87’

Stats
California Storm/Chattanooga FC
Shots: 6/17
Shots on Target: 6/8
Saves: 7/6
Corner Kicks: 2/8
Offsides: 3/1
Fouls: 11/10