The E.C. United U16 girls soccer team will make its first-ever appearance in the final 16 on Saturday, April 18. E.C. United made the Sweet 16 by winning its bracket of the State Cup competition played in Morgan Hill in late March. E.C. United must win its next game in order to continue on to the quarterfinals, for which the field has been reduced to the top eight teams.

E.C. (East County) United was formed in 2002 and comprises players from six East Contra Costa County high schools: Antioch, Carondelet, Clayton Valley, Deer Valley, Freedom and Liberty. The team trains at the new turf facility in Pittsburg, and will represent the Delta Youth Soccer League in the Sweet 16 of the State Cup.

Coach Ramon Hyland said he’s proud of his players’ many accomplishments over the years, but that this ranks right up there with one of their biggest achievements as a team. Hyland added that he’s also proud of the team’s overall scholastic achievements. More than seven E.C. United players carry a 3.5 GPA or higher.

The team is looking for qualified players to add to its 2009 roster, and will be holding an open tryout April 25 and 26, and May 3 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Pittsburg turf facility, located in City Park.

– Contributed by Shannon Hagmann