Sisterly rivals

The sun was beating down on Le Haillan this Saturday as the Girondines U19s, led by Margaux Aimé, took to the field for a friendly match against Girondins USA, coached by Nenad Vilotijevic. With parents from both sides turning out for the occasion, the Bordelaises got off to the brighter start, testing the American keeper on several occasions without managing to make the break. Initially a little intimidated by the strength and speed of their French hosts, the Americans - who spent the whole of last week at an intensive training camp here in Bordeaux - gradually found their way into the game and took the lead courtesy of a goal from Leanna Choo (0-1). Bordeaux bounced back quickly and equalized with a lob from Charlotte Serna, only for the visitors to take the lead again before half time with a superb strike from Danielle Fuentes (1-2). The game was hard-fought but the spirit of fair play was never lost, and the mutual respect between the two sides was plain to see. In the second half Bordeaux made the most of their physical power and experience, allowing Axelle Touzeau to level the scores and then nudge the home side into the lead (3-2). Physically exhausted in the final minutes, the Americans let in another late goal scored by young Emma, a promising attacking player currently on trial with the squad (4-2). This game was an opportunity for the two sister teams to discover a different style of football, with a very high level of quality and commitment from both sides.