The Devils kicked off the 2008 Fall season with a fantastic showing at the Soccer by the Bay Tournament last weekend. The girls won two of three games, placing 2nd in their bracket. Hats off for a great effort to start fall season!
Game 1 featured a nail biting 2-1 victory over the MVLA Typhoons. Courtney opened the tournament scoring with a pretty shot across the box. Marlene pushed the Devils lead to 2-0 with a rocket from the top of the box. Sammie kicked off the season with a strong performance on both sides of the ball. She stepped up throughout the game, with grit, winning several balls. Ruhi and Karsyn buckled down on defense to hold the Typhoons offense scoreless in the first half. MVLA scored on a free kick bomb from the right sideline after a questionable call that gave the Typhoons the ball.
The Devils took their lumps in the evening game, losing 6-1 against a superior Ukiah Pumas team. After surrendering a goal in the first minute of the game, the devils answered to tie the game at 1-1. Kelly took a centering pass at midfield, before splitting two defenders and navigating around the Pumas goaltender for her first goal of the season.
Ukiah would leverage its roster size and speed to go up 3-1 by halftime. They would match that goal output in the 2nd half to end the day on a down note for the Devils. Jessica played a gritty game at left forward, challenging the Pumas defense on several chances.
The Devils took their lumps physically as well. Shivani injured her calf after getting kicked from behind. Karsyn left the game after knocking heads with a Puma. A nasty blister would sideline Ruhi for the better part of the 2nd half.
The girls rallied on Sunday winning their third game, 3-1 over the Marin Rockers, which started with tight defense by Lindsay and Maanasa. Christene took a lead pass on the left wing, then beat a defender up the flank, before punching a shot past the Rockers goaltender.
Marlene would put the Devils up 2-0 on a deflection off a corner kick with her second goal of the tournament, after Shivani sent a centering pass from the right corner. Positioned inside the goal box, Marlene gathered the ball, and fired a shot into the goal.
The Rockers would cut the Devils lead to 2-1 on a goal early in the 2nd half, but Audrey would cap the game’s scoring with her first goal as a Devil. She was challenged by a Rockers defender outside the box along the right wing, but navigated to her left before racing in and beating the goaltender.
A great weekend and wonderful start this season.
WHERE THE TEAM EXCELLED1)
Attitude – After two tough scrimmages, the girls entered the tournament with a positive approach that translated to very consistent play. The team needed some positives to start the season, and they got it by playing positively. Even after their 6-1 loss, they returned on Sunday with a strong performance.
2)
Hustle – The effort was certainly there, which was surprising, considering it was the first live action of the season. The up-tempo play was very encouraging as we enter league play.
3)
Team Play – The passing in games 1 & 3 was very encouraging. We worked on moving the ball up the wings in the Thursday practice prior to the tournament, and the girls executed what we worked on well.
FOCUS AREAS1)
Positional Play – The girls are still a little scattered when it comes to holding position. This is especially important as we move to a larger field and higher player counts on the field this spring. We need to focus more attention on improving the midfield play, in order to balance both the offense and defense. The girls need to learn to trust each other.
2)
Foot Strength – Our lack of foot strength was clearly a disadvantage in the 2nd game of the tourney. We will focus some time in upcoming practices to improve kicking and passing technique. Foot strength doesn’t just translate to better shot opportunities. It’s also important for passing and clearing chances.
3)
Transitions – The team needs to take advantage of transitions, both on counterattacks, out of bounds plays and free kicks. We tend to react slowly to these opportunities, which allows the opposition to establish its defensive positioning.
We'll continue to focus on both our strengths and weknesses in upcoming practices.
Labels: 2008 Fall Season, Soccer by the Bay, tournament play
