4/11/09 Game Recap (9-0 Win)

The Devils offense exploded on Saturday for 9 goals en route to a 9-0 win over the newly formed De Anza Tidal Waves at the Sunnyvale Soccer Complex. After failing to generate any goals the week prior, the Devils spread the wealth with six different Devils scoring goals. Christene led the charge with her first hat trick as a Devil.

Not knowing what to expect, the Devils started the game with players starting in their regular positions. The goals came early and often. Christene got the Devils on the board in the first minute of play, taking a pass up the left wing from Grace, then racing in on goal and launching a 25-foot shot that tucked inside the left post.

She would repeat the play 2 minutes later, racing around the left wing then sending a shot across the grain for the 2-0 lead.

Jessica O scored her first goal as a Devil 4 minutes later after a wild scrum in front of the Tidal Wave net. Kelly and Marlene took a series of shots from inside the box before the ball chipped outside the right post. Jessica gathered the loose ball on the right side and knocked the rebound in for the 3-0 lead.

Christene completed her hat trick with a rocket from the left corner of the box that hit the top right corner of the box right before the end of the first half.

The big lead allowed the coaches to move players to positions they don’t normally play.

Traditionally a back, Karsyn was given an opportunity to play at forward and capitalized on the chance by taking a pass from Ruhi up the right wing, before ripping a 30 foot shot past the goaltender at the start of the 2nd half for her first career goal.

Lindsay would make it 6-0 less than two minutes later when she scooped up a deflection on the left side then lofted a shot over the goaltender for her second career goal.

Ruhi, the team sweeper, was given a chance to play up and would scored her second career goal as a Devil 3 minutes later, splitting two Tidal Wave defenders then snapping a shot into the goal from the left side.

Sammie got in on the action and made it 8-0 with a shot from the left side after beating a defender up the left side. She took a line feed near midfield, then raced in on net. She used her left foot to punch the ball past the Tidal Wave goaltender for her 2nd career goal.

Defensively, Grace, Clara and Jess put the clamps on the Tidal Wave offense, only allowing two shots on goal the entire game. Jessica O made her debut in goal and came up with a big save late in the game, punching a chest high shot clear of the goal.

Ruhi would cap the game’s scoring by punching in her second of the game on a deflection from the left side. Using her left foot, she rocketed a shot that hit the back of the net.

The game turned out to be a mismatch, to no fault of the Tidal Waves, but the girls must prepare for their next opponent with the midset that the competition will get tougher this season.

Game Positives:

Shots, Shots, Shots – There was no shortage of shooting in this game, which has been a focus in practice. You don’t score if you don’t shoot, and this game was a great indicator of what can happen when you put the ball on goal.

Passing – The starting forward played several crossing chances exceptionally well. Marlene alone had three beautiful crossing passes that resulted in scoring chances.

Momentum – The entire team never took their foot off the gas, which in a blowout, isn’t always the best way to treat an opponent, but for those players that don’t get many chances to play forward it was an understandable reaction.

Development Areas:

Defensive Marking – The team showed improvement in this area, but it is still something we must develop, especially as we match up against strong teams. Veteran and new players alike must focus more attention on reading defensive situations and understand how to counter those situations.

Recognizing Outlets – Younger players tend to get drawn into the mindset that you must always move the ball forward. Utilizing open teammates in front or behind is something we will focus on in practice and hopefully apply more readily in game situations.

Passing to space – This was a good opportunity for the girls to hone their passing to open areas. We are focusing more and more attention on dump and chase tactics up the wings, which can translate into scoring chances when followed up with crossing passes. We have the crosses down, now we need to develop the situations that allow for deeper attacks.