Lutz U13 Lady Rangers Soccer Team Battles For State Cup

LUTZ, FL -- Already the No. 1 girls soccer team in the state, the U13 Lady Rangers in Lutz is among eight teams currently competing for the State Cup. The team's next game is May 4.

In the past year, the Lady Rangers triumphed over all of their Florida competitors and will move on to the 2019 U.S. Youth Soccer Southern Regional Championships in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in June.

Team mom Kris Carson, whose daughter Chloe is co-captain of the team, attributes their success to the fact that most of the 14 girls have played soccer together for six years.

"That’s really unheard of because so many kids jump from club to club," said Carson. "They may not be the biggest; they may not be the tallest; but they are skilled, fast and hungry to win. This team is not like many they will face. They aren't an assembled team from hundreds of girls trying out. They are just incredibly athletic girls who happen to be part of the same team. They've attracted great teammates over the years and have grown up like sisters."

Head coach Chris Cole agrees.

“This is a special group of girls and families, and I'm honored to be leading the way," said Cole. "The Ranger girls are a unique mix of phenomenal athletes and skilled players. Their hard work and determination has led them to achieve so much this season. I love being a part of their soccer journey and pushing them to achieve their goals."

“If I could use one word to describe our team, I would say we are determined," said team co-captain Kaitlin Vinson. "We have worked very hard to get where we are now, and it has paid off. Even though it’s hard work, we always manage to have a good time and bond like sisters.”

It's that bond that has made them so successful on the soccer field, said Chloe Carson.

“When someone asks me who’s the best player on the team, I answer them by saying you can’t compare teammates," she said. "One isn’t better than the other. Each player has her own unique talent and, when we are all put together, we work perfectly on the field.”

"They are fierce and so much fun to watch, an incredible bunch of athletes," added her mom. "But more than that, they are kind girls who really care about each other."

The team, whose home field is located at the Oscar Cooler Sports Complex, 19045 Crooked Lane, Lutz, will play Wellington at Lakewood Ranch on May 4.

There will be a Casino Night fundraiser to help fund the U13 Lady Rangers' trip to the Southern Regional Championships on Friday, May 10 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Carrollwood Recreation Center,3515 McFarland Road, Tampa.

The event will include Texas Hold 'Em and Blackjack, an open bar, food and prizes. Tickets are $100 and table sponsorships are $500. Tickets can be purchased from team members or by calling 727-364-5188.

Those who can't make the fundraiser can contribute on the team's GoFundMe page.

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Photo: In back, from left, are Lola Vargas on Miranda Valdes' back, Kaitlin Vinson, Chloe Carson, Brooke Becker, Melody Taylor, Sarah Frazer, Allison Souers, Jordan Fulop, Mia Morales and Alexa Gilland with Jolie Farmer on her back. In front are Maddie Green and Skylar Cole.