Dazzling soccer action outshone the winter-white blizzard last weekend in Edmonton.

The GU Springbank-Cochrane Chaos was one of the three Cochrane=Springbank participating in the massive EWZSA Slush Cup, Mar. 1 to 4, after battling the weather to arrive safely.

In their first match, they fought hard but lost 5-0 to MW Selects.  Outstanding play was noted by keeper Brooke Krowchuk and mid-fielder Ryley Pilling.

The second match versus Ardrossan FC Penguins saw goals by Chaos players Piper Stephenson and Avery Duff.  These two goals and fine play by the team were not enough to conquer the slippery penguins.  Keeper Maxine Hayes and defender Iman Amin were recognized in this match for super saves and fine defensive play.

Their final contest against the FSJ Northern Strikers was a great game, says Coach Sarah Tas; fast-paced, intense and fun!

The Strikers were ahead 0-2 until Chaos forward Piper Stephenson netted a goal to cut the lead in half.  Piper scored on a free kick awarded just outside the Northern Strikers' keeper box.  At the other end of the turf, Chaos keeper Brooke Krowchuk stood on her head with lightening-quick reflexes and acrobatic saves, keeping the Springbank-Cochrane coalition in the tight game.  The Northern Striker's keeper was ejected in the second stanza, after being red-carded for a foul on Piper Stephenson. Chaos played an intense, determined game in their 3-1 loss.

Through the course of the tournament, the team stayed positive, gained momentum, played some good soccer and enjoyed themselves, says Tas.

"Watching Chaos players try their hardest, help their teammates and have fun made braving the winter storm driving conditions well-worth the trip," she says.

The team gives thanks to Juliet Alexander, a player on the GU14 Chaos team who is injured, but made the trip to Edmonton on a stormy weekend to support her teammates.

"She was great to have on the bench for encouragement, moral support and coaching tips," says Tas.

Other Cochrane-Springbank alliance teams in the tournament were the GU12 girls and BU12 boys.

The EWZSA Slush Cup is an absolutely huge tournament that involves 392 teams playing in 19 divisions and packing the greater Edmonton indoor pitches.

The Edmonton Slush Cup is the beginning of the end of the indoor season for most teams. Some indoor teams have finished, while other teams may use it as a warm-up for Provincials coming up Mar. 16-18.

Now it's on to the outdoor season from late April to August and registration is now open.

To register or get more information check here.