it really is a beautiful Game

We were certainly tested this past weekend.

U16 Shockers

Our U16 Shockers fell to AFU Angels Saturday 1 to 0. The Angels put the match away with a brilliant shot into the upper left corner of the net. There were no mistakes. It was a gorgeous twenty five meter shot. And, a terrific and well fought match between two very good teams.

However, I’ll add that we dominated their end of the pitch, and had more shots on goal.

Grayce, at that right-side Stryker position, “owned” the right-side, and bombed the Angels goal relentlessly with numerous beautiful crosses. Outside Defenders Megan and Loren frustrated any hope the Angels had for an established attack, stuffing everything that came up the sidelines. Our Keeper Lauren, in the net the entire match, inspired a lot of confidence, as well as leadership, and had some of her best punts of the season.

My primary take away is how proud we must feel going toe-to-toe with those AFU teams that have been together for five years, and won many a Cup together. After Saturday’s match, both the Angels coach and managers grabbed my shoulders and acknowledged they had not played such a tough team in years. We have a history with them now, going back to last years District Cup. And, we’ll see them again in Athens, yes we certainly will!

NOTE: In light of some missed easy goals (as many as ten to fourteen, while Angles had five), we’ll be working on crossing and finishing Monday night as we prepare for two more key regular season matches, and three successive tournaments.

U14 Shockers

The U14 Shockers defeated NSA Beat 6 to 0. And, we did it a man-down with only ten players.

Apparently Meredith Black was also suffering from a bee sting. But, her determination to contribute was, nonetheless, greatly evident. I also think Hannah E. might have had one of her best matches ever. She navigated the ball right up the middle between numerous opponents at least three times (those drills are paying-off!). Hannah D. got to play an entire half out of the net. This has been a “team goal” all season”. She played Stopper with a lot of heart. And Emma was a real champ with her willingness to step into the net for her teammates. Rachel was naught less than awesome as she shelled the Beats box with one cross after another. Mars had had four goals and then played dominant Defense in the 2nd half. AC scored another goal, bringing the ball all the way up the left side and finishing with a brilliant shot into the back of the net. Haley Anne also had a goal. We had pushed her up top to see how she fights. She was in great position the entire time. It paid off when there was a solid cross from Rachel that spun off of Sarah’s boot as it went by her. Haley collected the ball of the bounce, and shot it decisively right into the back of the net, in one move. Sarah had to canny and well-times assists, and fought hard all night. Emily stepped up (literally) and put an opponent on the ground defending the midline.

NOTE: We were a bit sloppy, despite the result. So, we need to work on holding our dribble, “bombing the box”, and communication Monday.

Coach Brian