4/18/09 Game Recap (1-0 Win)

The Devils built on their big win over the De Anza Tidal Waves with another strong performance on Saturday, defeating the MVLA Typhoons 1-0 at the Sunnyvale Soccer Complex. The Devils played a big defensive game, thanks in part to a big goaltending performance in the second half.

The girls wasted little time dictating play, taking the control of play from the opening whistle. Courtney put a big shot from the right wing 4 minutes into the game, missing wide right.

The Devils would convert the only goal of the game 2 minutes before half-time. Marlene carried the ball up the left side, before cutting back to her right just short of the end-line. She put the ball on her right foot and sent a 35-foot crossing pass to the far side of the small box, where Audrey was waiting. Audrey collected the pass and chipped home the 5-foot shot for the 1-0 lead.

She would almost score her second goal of the game 4 minutes later, when Grace setup a scoring chance with a booming free kick from mid field. A pair of Typhoon defenders collapsed on Audrey to snuff out the chance, but not before a shot attempt missed to the left.

The back-liners rarely allowed the ball to enter their own box, playing exceptionally well in tight quarters. Ruhi played her typical solid game, snuffing out anything that came her way. Lindsay played one of her strongest games as a Devil on the back line, carrying several deep balls out of the corner to avert any Typhoon scoring chances.

Game presence was the theme of the day. On a Typhoon goal kick, Courtney read a short ball, intercepting it at the top of the box with a one-time shot that sailed just wide right. Three feet to the left and the rocket shot catches net in the top right corner.

Making her first start at center-mid, Grace played exceptionally well, commanding the play with aggressiveness to the ball. Her nose for the ball was evident late in the game when she played back and picked the pocket of two Typhoon forwards as they started to press the offense.

The Typhoons would turn up the heat midway through the second half with a series of shots that reached the goal. Audrey played huge in net, making two big saves. She knocked down a shot that was just above her head and calmly scooped up the deflection, then was forced to make a save by moving laterally on a shot that was sent across the goal mouth.

E played several positions, showing her versatility. Katrina played a strong game at outside mid, and consistently shut down her mark with nice footwork and persistency toward the ball.

Game Positives—

Through Balls: Pushing the ball up the lines for the forwards to chase was a point of focus in practice and the girls applied the technique wonderfully during the game. Courtney and Marlene were given the opportunity chase several balls that were pushed up by the mids.

Switching & Passing: Another emphasis in practice has been on positional switching and moving the ball to a teammate who has switched positions with the person carrying the ball. It was great to see this being utilized, especially in traffic.

Head Balls & Traps: While we haven’t spent as much time focusing on head balls and traps, they were both used frequently in the game. More importantly, the girls are recognizing when it makes sense to utilize these moves.

Development Areas—

Goal Side Marks: This has proven to be the one thing we need to reiterate every few practices. With the defense playing so well, the girls started to move away from playing good, fundamental soccer. Allowing your opposition to get position toward your own goal will only lead to bad things. It’s a simple technique that pays big dividends.

Quick Releases: There were several instances of players holding the ball too long, which allows the defense to collapse on the attack. We need to make sure that line-mates are moving to space to create passing opportunities, and that the player controlling the ball looks to advance the ball in traffic with quick passing.

Mid Transitions: The mids were not making the transition from offense to defense, and vice versa as diligently as we would like to see. Defensive responsibility is priority, so not getting back to help back on defense is something we want to curb as much as possible. Making transitions from defense to offense quickly is what creates scoring chances. The score was indicative of our failure to capitalize on these type of transitions.