9/20/08 Game Recap (2-1 Win)

The Devils played their first road game of the year on Saturday, in sunny Aptos, California with a match up against the Aptos Tide. The level of competition was improved over the first two weeks of the season, but the Devils walked away with the third consecutive win in a 2-1 nail biter.

With the comfort of home absent from this contest, the girls got off to a slow start, chasing the ball, rather than playing the wide passing style that made so effective in their first two games. In what could have easily been a lopsided victory for the Devils, they were forced to play catch up after the Tide took an early 1-0 lead.

After controlling the tempo early, the Devils made several mistakes in their own end, which led to a rocket off the foot of a Tide forward that founds its way to the back of the net. The shot sailed about a foot under the cross bar, giving the Devils goaltender Christene no chance to even make a save attempt.

The Devils regrouped two minutes later to knot the score at 1-1, when Marlene deftly intercepted a goal kick about 40 feet out, then carried the ball in and lifted a shot that easily found the net.

Maanasa would give the Devils the lead with about 5 minutes remaining in the period. After racing up the right sideline from the mid position, she sent a shot in on goal from just outside the right post. The ball hit the goaltender’s arm, then caromed off the post, dribbling back toward the center of the net. As Courtney began to bear down on the ball, the goaltender tried to react to the oncoming pressure, and the loose ball, but ended up batting it into the net. One last diving attempt to save the ball fell short, and both goaltender and ball landed in a mud puddle behind the goal line.

Shivani had a scoring chance miss just wide left of the goal in the final minutes before the half time whistle sounded.

The first half momentum disappeared faster than the half time snacks after the Tide came out firing to open the second period. Midfield pressure subsided, allowing the Tide to keep the ball in the Devils zone for most of the first 10 minutes of the period.

Outstanding back line play by Ruhi and Marlene helped preserve the slim one-goal lead. Several rushes by the speedy Tide forward crew were diverted to the outside by the defensive corps.

Kelly played her strongest game at midfield to date, almost single handedly controlling the middle in the last 7 minutes of the game. That wouldn’t be any more obvious than on a play with the game on the line.

She took a pass along the left sideline, then cut past two defenders deep in the left corner, before ripping a shot past the Tide goaltender. The linesman on the far side of the field erroneously called off-sides when Kelly took the initial pass, then communicated this to the referee well after the goal had been scored. Unfortunately for Kelly her second goal of the season will have to wait another week.

The no-goal was irrelevant in the end as the Devils would close out the final minute of play with the 2-1 victory.

Proof Positives—

Comeback: This was the first deficit the girls have faced this season, and they responded well early in the game. The Tide’s goal could have been demoralizing, since the girls controlled the flow early, and then fell behind after what looked like would be a blow out in favor of the Devils.

Consistency at Forward: This team has an abundance of forward talent. Problem is, the Devils play a 2-3-2 system, which means you can only have 2 forwards on the field at any one time. The coaching staff will be working to channel that forward mentality into stronger play with the outside mids.

Stingy Defense: Through three games, the Devils are averaging 1.00 goals against per game. The second half of this game was proof that defense is as (if not most) important, when it comes to building a strong team. The Tide was a fast team, but the girls managed to corral them, albeit a little more close for comfort than the coaching staff would have liked. “Defense” is a team philosophy, not just a position two girls play at any one time!

Areas to Develop—

Initiative to the Ball: If one player fails to fight for the ball, the effects ripple toward the goal. There were too many instances where the girls took the passive approach to the ball, and a faster, more determined opponent took advantage. This was especially the case in the 2nd half of the game.

Stick to the Game Plan When Pressured: The Tide upped the pressure in the 2nd half of the game and the girls didn't counter that pressure allowing the play to stay in the Devils defensive zone for the first 10 minutes of the half. That will prove more costly as the team enters the portion of the schedule against much more talented opposition.

Playing with a Slim Lead: If you look back to the Spring season, two of the teams losses and one tie came after they had held a small lead in the 2nd half of the respective games. This is something the girls need to recognize and to learn to step up the intensity. The absence of goal side marks and loose defense allowed the Tide to pressure with several scoring chances on Saturday. Teams like the Sparks, Rampage and Surefire will punish any opponent that affords them that advantage.