MARCISZ HAT TRICK PROPELS SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES U-15 TO 5-0 VICTORY OVER OAKWOOD SC



By: Natallie Rocha



OCEANSIDE, Calif. (June 25, 2018) - A hat trick by midfielder Peyton Marcisz propelled the San Jose Earthquakes U-15 to a 5-0 victory over Oakwood SC in their second group stage game at the U-15 Girls' Academy Playoffs. An overall team effort boosted the No. 3 seed to victory, sparked by Lexy Alexandra Thompson's free kick goal in the 15th minute and propelled by a trifecta of goals from Peyton Marcisz.

Four of San Jose's five goals came from underage U-14s playing up. The 2004-birth year players took full advantage of the opportunity to showcase their skills against older, tougher competition.

No. 24 Oakwood SC arrived at the game in a do-or-die situation. The Connecticut-based club needed a win or draw to stay alive in Group B, but today's result snuffed out the Northeast Division squad's knockout round hopes.

While Oakwood showed impressive fitness and grit, San Jose dominated possession and it paid off in two first half goals. A foul in the East Conference club's midfield teed up the Quakes' Thompson for a left-footed free kick in the 15th. While a crowd waited on the back post for service, the forward picked out the near side for her second goal in two Playoff matches.

Ten minutes later, Marcisz notched her first goal of the day. Julia Saunicheva delivered a pass from the right wing and the 2004-birth year player finished it home to the far corner of the net.

In the second half, Oakwood did a better job with its high press and didn't allow San Jose to play as unfettered out of the back. In the end, San Jose adjusted its tactics to break down their defense with some calm ball movement through the final third.

Midfielder Kei Kitamura came off the bench in the second half to pick up a trio of assists. Her precise service contributed to all three of the Quakes' final goals. In the 60th, she made a quick drive to the baseline and cut the ball back to Marcisz, who finished from the PK spot to make it 3-0.

Another 2004-birth year player got the job done for San Jose in the 68th. Frias slid a pass around the Oakwood 'keeper and notched her 21st goal of the season. Marcisz rounded out the scoresheet for her team in the 71st. A barreling run toward the net culminated with her third goal of the day and fifth of the season for the U-15s.

Oakwood found a dangerous chance late, as forward Bailey Ayer barreled down the right flank took a quick cut and fired a left-footed shot. The hit was well-placed, but San Jose defender Elise Evans heroically blocked the back post with a header and preserved the clean sheet.

The Quakes' 5-0 win dashed Oakwood's quarterfinal hopes. San Jose will face off against Penn Fusion Soccer Academy on Wed. June 27 at 1pm for its final group stage game, while Oakwood will take on Albion SC.