With the fall season coming to a close, the 14U Alliance looked to finish their schedule on a high note by taking on the Whirlwinds on Saturday at Youth Sports Inc.

In one of their best showings of the season, the Alliance was able to outlast the Whirlwinds, 6-2.

Despite the loss, it was the Whirlwinds who got on the board first and stayed within striking distance for much of the game. Adam Hazen rifled a cross-field pass in the opening minutes to an open David Wilson for a picture-perfect goal.

Facing an early deficit, the Alliance took a second to regroup and try to jump-start the offense. Wesley Tedlock took the initiative, using his angles to tuck the ball in the far right corner and just out of the reach of the goalkeeper.

Shortly after Tedlock’s goal, fellow teammate Josh Montgomery unleashed a sidewinder that landed in the upper left side of the goal, which gave the Alliance their first lead of the day.

Trailing 3-1 early in the second half, the Whirlwinds were awarded a penalty kick with playmaker Semilore “Shimi” Ojeleye doing the honors. Ojeleye buried the shot and tightened the score to 3-2.

Whirlwind Tori Skiles, left, and Alliance Mark Jongman-Sereno position themselves for a pass Saturday at Youth Sports Inc.

However, it was the defensive presence of the Alliance that held things together. Defender Sarah Parrish came up strong after breaking up several Whirlwind scoring opportunities.

At the midfield, Summer White swarmed the ball and kept it in the offensive zone for the Alliance, keeping the pressure on the Whirlwind defense. White’s energy and enthusiasm spread throughout the Alliance offense as they delivered several shots on goal.

“We really played aggressively today,” said Alliance substitute head coach Rob Parrish. “Our offense was able to keep the ball in the their zone.”

White and teammate Mark Jongman-Sereno capitalized on proper spacing and communication to record the insurance goal for the Alliance. Jongman-Sereno sent a perfectly placed cross-field pass to the foot of White, who was standing alone on the doorstep of the goal.

“Our passing was perfect today, and we focused on setting one another up for our goals,” Parrish said.

With the offense clicking on all cylinders, Alliance goalkeeper Byron Varberg used his quick feet and sure hands to stop the several Whirlwind scoring opportunities and secure the season-ending win for the Alliance.