10/11/09 Game Recap (5-1 Win)

Christene fights for the ball

The Devils capped the weekend with a commanding 5-1 victory over the host MTH Lightning at Evergreen College on Sunday. The win kept the Devils at the head of the Class3A standings, maintaining a slim 2 point lead over the Los Gatos Wildcats.

Sunnyvale applied a steady stream of pressure in the offensive zone in the first half, which resulted in a flurry of scoring. The Devils uncorked their first shot on goal just 2 minutes into the game, setting the tone for a grand offensive display.

The first goal would come in the 4th minute after Akayla sent a centering pass to Marlene at center forward from the left side. Marlene took the feed and sent a rocket from 30 feet that deflected off the crossbar and into the Lightning goal.

Marlene's shot heads for the goal

Christene would make it 2-0 on a chip shot from the front of the goal 4 minutes later. Clara started the scoring sequence by beating a defender up the right side, before passing to Courtney in the corner. Courtney carried the ball toward the goal before sending a cross to Christene for the easy tap in.

Akayla scored the 3rd goal of the half on a blast from 25 feet 12 minutes into the game. Pinching from the center-mid position, she intercepted a clearing attempt, before beating the Lightning goal keeper with a big boot that sailed inside the left post.

The Lightning would turn up the offensive pressure late in the half, but Sammie would come up big from the keeper position, gloving a big shot from the left side. She would follow that up with another huge stop 4 minutes later. The Lightning would rip a shot from 15 feet that she was forced to pounce on.

Celebrating Akayla's second goal

The Devils would counter on a break that allowed Akayla to walk in on goal and rip a shot from the top of the box for the 4-0 lead. Marlene made a drop after receiving the centering feed, which crossed up the lightning keeper.

The lightning would cut into the Devils lead with a shot from the right side that slipped just inside the left post. The officials originally called the ball wide, but after querying the Devils keeper and checking the net they overruled their own call and awarded the Lightning a goal.

Sammie gains possession of the ball

Defense was the focus of the second half. The Devils were forced to defend against offensive pressure from the outside. The Lightning would move the ball down the wings and then lob passes to the middle. This was a new look for the defense, who responded well by clearing several attempts.

Grace would cap the game’s scoring by throwing a shot on goal from 30 feet, that weaved through the defense for the 5-1 lead.

Finishing up the half at forward, Ruhi, Sammie and Lindsay put together a string of chances that just missed converting a 6th tally. Jess, Karsyn and Katrina dictated play from midfield, serving up those chances.

1st Half Keeper: Sammie
2nd Half Keeper: Courtney