January 8, 2006 - On Saturday January 6, the Lower Merion Heart won this year’s U11 indoor state cup championship, becoming the first girls team in LMSC club history to earn an indoor or outdoor EPYSA State Championship. The accomplishment adds to an already impressive resume of three consecutive undefeated regular seasons in the top division of PAGs and the two previous US Club State Championship titles during their U9 and U10 campaigns.

The Heart reached the final game by emerging from a very competitive five team bracket. The opposition in the championship game was a talented Deep Run team who beat FC Bucks, this year's PAGs playoff winner, 6 – 0, to advance to the final.

The day proved an opportunity to demonstrate the depth of the team as 8 different players scored. All members of the Heart team – Anne Coyle, Kiersten Daly, Rachel Flynn, Caleigh Foust, Sydney Frank, Carly Ichniowski, Sophie Katz, Samara Kitnick, Gabriella Kursman, Moira Petrie, Nanci Selig, Salina Williford, Martha Zeller and Mary Grace Zeller – made crucial contributions during all five games of the championship competition, with several players logging time at every position on the field. Rachel Flynn, still working hard to come off of injured reserved from her broken wrist, was on the sideline of every game to cheer the team on, showing the kind of team spirit that is the hallmark of the Heart.

The final game provided a fitting climax to the day. Deep Run got off to an early lead, scoring just over three minutes into the 24 minute game. Since Deep Run had not allowed a goal in two of their previous games, this might have been enough. However, the Heart responded by elevating the speed, intensity, and precision of their play to score three consecutive goals, gaining a 3 -1 lead. Deep Run was not finished - they scored a second goal with just over three minutes left in the game. The last three minutes were contested at a feverish pace with Heart goalie Sydney Frank securing the championship with several acrobatic saves.

The day was especially noteworthy for the mutual respect and good sportsmanship all players, coaches, and parents demonstrated in the face of heated competition. The Heart take special pride in being the first LMSC Girls team to win a State Championship. The team looks forward to continued growth as soccer players, team members and young ladies with considerable Heart.