BRADENTON, Fla. – In practice, and on the sidelines during games, there’s one clear message that comes through from Midwest United Girls U13 Head Coach Tony Deakin.

“He always says ‘PMA,’ positive mental attitude,” said forward Avery Milo on Saturday. “Not just what you do with your legs but mentally working as a team so you’re all connected in some way. He’s taught us a lot.”

The connection between United’s players was on full display as the side took a 4-0 victory against the Washington Spirit MD at the 2016 Super Y League North American Finals at IMG Academy. Milo had a goal and assist in the win, while Lindsay Cole converted a pair of penalty kicks, to put the side on the verge of a place in the tournament’s semifinals.

They did so with a composed performance that saw the side claim a three-goal lead at the halftime break. A key factor was Milo’s play, as she both held up possession well to link up play, but also took opportunities to break forward quickly, which resulted in her goal just before halftime.

“She’s strong. She holds the ball up. She’s our target forward, so everything kind of goes through her, which is awesome,” said Deakin. “She works hard, and that’s all that we want from a center forward.”

The side also got solid performances from center backs Miranda Canty and Addison Tack, both of whom held firm as the Spirit tried to get back into the game in the second half. 

“Miranda’s from Canada. She’s a new player for us for Super Y and she’s been a great asset to the team, and so has Addy,” said Deakin. “They’re both strong, physical, and one of their goals is to win the individual battles, and they did that well again today.”

Winning individual battles, and putting in a strong collective work-rate, has been central to United’s success this season. While the side tries to play a relatively simple possession game with Deakin emphasizing quick passing movements, the manner in which they broke up play to win possession back was impressive throughout Saturday’s game.

Deakin’s influence is certainly there, but so is the chemistry the side has developed competing together consistently.

“Working as a team is definitely not something you learn. It’s something that comes naturally and from a lot of practice,” said Milo. “It’s a lot about the movement on the field, how you make your way up the field that will help you win games.”