The Garden State Soccer League is by far the largest in New Jersey affiliated with the United States Soccer Federation with more than 100 teams and nearly 2400 players. The league dates back to 1980 and earlier this month a Howell teenager made history when she became the youngest female player to appear in a GSSL game. 13-year old Kate Braun is the granddaughter of Peninsula Aztecs team manager Richard Braun who found himself shorthanded due to injuries and pregnancies for the Aztecs May 7th game against the Staten Island Storm at Thompson Park.

Kate who also plays for a youth team in Howell and an ODP club got the call to join the team who competes in the Women’s “A Division” and made the most of the opportunity. By stepping onto the field she became the youngest member of a female team in the 37-year history of the league but that’s not all. Braun scored a goal in the 6-2 Aztecs victory and that made her the youngest player to score a goal as well.

Having her on the team is even a bigger thrill for Rich Braun who has another granddaughter (Sam Netterman) on the squad as well.

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