10/18/09 Game Recap (2-0 Win)

Getting fired up

Playing morning games has never been a strong suit for the Devils, but the girls shook off the fog to beat host Santa Clara Sporting 2-0 at the Santa Clara Youth Soccer Park on Sunday. The win helps the Devils maintain their slim lead in the Delgado Class3A standings with three games to play.

The girls turned in one of their better performances of the season, pushing the offensive pressure for the majority of the game.

Katrina would get thins rolling with a nice shot attempt from the right side in the first minute of the game. The focus of the game was to get more shots on net, and the outside midfielder filled the order early.

After controlling the play for the first 12 minutes of the game, Sporting took advantage of a through ball that turned into a partial breakaway. The Sporting forward worked her way around 2 devil defenders then made a beeline for the goal. Shivani challenged the shot and deflected it with a leg to preserve the 0-0 tie.

Lindsay sweeps wide

The Devils keeper came up big, challenging the shooter on the play.
Sticking to the plan, the Devils would get on the board less than two minutes later Courtney converted after Akayla sent a cross from left to right that split the top of the box and the goal line. The Devils forward one-timed the pass for the 1-0 lead.

Kelly put a big shot on goal that was knocked away by the SC keeper, but the ball remained in play. Akayla worked the ball right in front of the net where Audrey put a one-timer on goal. Once again the Santa Clara keeper gloved the ball to squelch the chance.

Audrey would keep the balls flying in the direction of the Santa Clara goal, taking a shot on goal 2 minutes later that sailed wide left.

Courtney would score her 4th consecutive goal with seven minutes to play in the half by sliding a shot just inside the right post.

The defense would stand tall in the second half, preventing any shots from reaching the Devils goal keeper. Lindsay turned in her 4th consecutive solid performance at fullback, utilizing her speed to suppress the opposition.

Karsyn shoots through the fog

Getting some playing time at midfield, Ruhi, Sammie, Katrina and Karsyn made good use of their opportunities, working several balls to center forward, generating multiple scoring chances. Jessica, Shivani and Grace solidified the back line in the last 30 minutes.

The forwards frequently kept the ball pinned deep in the sporting zone, influenced by Christene, Audrey and Marlene, who did a great job of cycling the ball.

Notes: Sporting donned pink jerseys in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A big thumbs up from the Devils family for supporting this noble cause.

Game Positives--

Mid Play: The midfielders played a strong game, controlling the tempo of the game by preventing the Santa Clara offense from penetrating, and also working the ball to the forward line.

Defensive Poise: The defense was especially impressive in calmly diffusing almost every chance that came their way. The defensive corps turned in their 4th shutout of the season.

Short Passing: The short passing was phenomenal, continuing from a major strength on Saturday. The girls are starting to read each other very well, which is apparent from the pass selections that they are making. They are anticipating where their partners will be, and are succeeding at finding those passing targets.

Development Areas--

Shots from the Box: The opportunities were plenty, but holding the ball too long in shooting zones prevented some serious scoring chances. Some of the forwards and mids are trying to setup the perfect shot.