A REAL SOCCER MOM
By: Melanie Droz Shawcroft
2014 FORD ESCAPE TITANIUM SUV
One of my favorite hobbies is playing soccer. I was on the field for 13 years and on the sideline as a coach for 8, so it is always a thrill when I get invited to join an indoor, adult league. I may not be as fit or quick or agile as I was in my younger years, but the excitement of playing again is similar to the joy of driving the 2014 Ford Escape Titanium SUV. The joy beginning with the price: $29,610.
For the final game of the season, I packed the Escape with my husband, son, parents and soccer gear. I desperately needed the moral support cheering me on from the sideline; we were closing the season with a 2-8 record. Not so good. After comfortably packing in the people, I was able to use the Class-exclusive foot-activated liftgate, with the key in my soccer bag, to kick my foot under the bumper to open the liftgate and throw my ball, cleats, shin guards and water bottle in the back. I was able to use the Class-exclusive foot-activated liftgate, with the key in my soccer bag, to kick my foot under the bumper to open the liftgate and throw my ball, cleats, shin guards and water bottle in the back.I was even able to use the push button to start the car with the key fob still in my soccer bag.
The 2.0L EcoBoost I-4 Engine in the Escape generated enough power to get us to the game on time. Efficient like a small engine, but performing like a large one allows the 2014 Ford Escape Titanium SUV to get 23 city/32 highway mpg. We also arrived in comfort: dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, power panoramic Vista Roof and 8 cupholders. I used a few of the cupholders, hoping a Gatorade, a water and an energy drink would do the trick – I need all the liquid and energy I can get to keep up with those 20-somethings on the field.
The other feature I felt lucky to have in the 2014 Ford Escape Titanium was the standard entertainment system – I tried to use the music to get pumped for the game. The 355 watts of power, 10 speakers and dual-channel subwoofer created a party in the SUV. Berrett was dancing along while we jammed to some 90’s rock on the FM HD radio. The 355 watts of power, 10 speakers and dual-channel subwoofer created a party in the SUV. Berrett was dancing along while we jammed to some 90’s rock on the FM HD radio.
I was so energized by the music, I used the iTunes tagging feature to save the songs for later use. Maybe the playlist would be useful for next season, and we would start with a winning season.
Although we did get to the field with time to spare, we still had to find a parking spot. The Escape made it easy with the Active Park Assist (if only the SUV could assist my team with winning the game). The Active Park Assist which is used to help with parallel parking, allowed me to drive slowly and scan for available spots. The ultrasonic sensors measure the distance to the curb and other parked cars. With this technology, once a big enough spot is identified, the Active Park Assist signals to stop and accept the assistance. Using the reverse sensing system as well, I pulled into a spot that I may have passed by, thinking it was too small.
With everyone out of the car, my son watched as I used the foot-activated liftgate again to retrieve my soccer equipment out of the Ford Escape. We rushed in and I played 50 minutes of fast-paced, fierce adult soccer. I left my blood, sweat and tears out on that field, and it (along with the ride over in the Escape) paid off. We won the game, and I even scored two goals. It was definitely time to celebrate with my cheerleaders who also helped us pull out the win.
The celebration began back in the 2014 Ford Escape Titanium SUV. Using SYNC with MyFord Touch (complimentary with the vehicle for 3 years), I used hands-free calling to let me sister know of the recent victory. I was also able to tell the SYNC with MyFord Touch the preferred temperatures in the car – since I had just exerted so much energy at the game, I preferred it to be a bit cooler on my side of the SUV. Lastly, I used the SYNC MyFord Touch for a 411 business search – it was time to celebrate with some well-deserved pizza. Overall, I have my family and the 2014 Ford Escape Titanium SUV to thank for the win – I just wish I could win a foot-activated liftgate for my personal car since my 3-year-old son continues to swipe his foot under the bumper and sulk in disappointment every time the trunk fails to open.
