The Mercer Island FC GU15 Thunder finished off its summer tournament season with a first-place finish in the Federal Way Blast Off tournament, which took place Aug. 5-7.

The Thunder went 3-0 during the course of the weekend, scoring 15 goals while conceding two. The team advanced through the qualifying round in first place, earning the chance to compete for the championship against the North Kitsap Fury on Sunday.

In the championship match, the first half ended in a scoreless draw with both teams trying to find an effective strategy and leaving the crowded sidelines full of families and friends feeling anxious. The Fury opened the second half with a quick goal to claim a 1-0 advantage.

The Thunder didn’t panic, but instead stuck with its possession-based attacking style. As the game went on, the Thunder managed to wear down its opponent, and the scoring opportunities came. The equalizing goal came from a right winger cross, which the striker decisively placed in the upper netting from six yards out.

With the score even, the Thunder took control and scored two more goals within minutes to pull ahead. The Fury pressed hard to get back into the game, but the Thunder defense held and preserved the 3-1 victory.

Thunder team members include Bailey Fotheringill, Maya Groh, Caitlin Liang, Claire Chatalas, Avery Conder, Hannah Bartley, Taylor Richards, Lucy Cleator, Annie Poole, Haley Selman, Jalyn Sandwith, Alli Shoop, Isabella Mancuso, Lucy Whitney and Natalie Smith. The team is coached by Jeff Cleator and Mark Sandwith and trains with Darren Sawatzky.