10/31/09 Game Recap (1-0 Win)

The Devils were treated to their own personal house of horrors on Halloween, courtesy of the coaching staff and their own tournament success. After winning the Medina Fall Classic the week prior, Coach Brad and Coach Mike were forced to make due on a bet they made with the girls prior to the tournament. That bet was to allow the girls to pick out their Halloween costumes, which also had to be worn on the sidelines during the Devils – MVLA Typhoons game on Saturday.

The coaches paid in full, and the girls obliged with another shutout victory. This time a 1-0 win over the Typhoons at Grant Park in Los Altos.

With all the distractions created by the coaches, the girls could have easily succumbed to the talented MVLA squad, but they did what they had to do, winning their 7th game of the season.

Coach Diabla goes over pre-game strategy

The first half was a back and forth exchange of chances for both sides, but neither team could cash in on offensive chances. Akayla provided two quality scoring opportunities in the first 10 minutes of the game, but the Typhoons keeper had a solid half.

The Devils defense continued their solid play with their 5th shutout of the season. Anchored by Ruhi’s rock-solid play at sweeper, the Typhoons were consistently repelled. Karsyn and Clara shared time at stopper and Lindsay and Jessica secured the outside fullback positions.

MVLA would make a push in the 20th minute with three chances deep in the Devils zone, but the fullbacks cleared each chance.

The offense got things rolling right before half. Playing in her first game back since fracturing her arm at the Tall Trees Tournament, E had solid stints at forward, and parlayed the opportunity with several series that ended deep in Typhoon territory.

E made her return to the lineup

Grace got a rocket shot off right before half time, that the MVLA keeper was forced to glove.

Courtney would finally break the ice in the 33rd minute, after Akayla fired a bullet that bounced off the MVLA keeper’s hands. As the ball trickled to the right side of the small box, Courtney swooped in and deposited the rebound for the only tally of the game.

The midfield play of Kelly, Grace, Katrina, Shivani and Sammie controlled the center of the field for most of the second half. Marlene was only required to glove the ball three times from her keeper position, and calmly moved the ball back out to the midfield with her big punts.

The Typhoons one big chance in the second half came off a corner kick that was deflected across the box. An MVLA forward was perched on the far post, but the ball too a fortuitous hop over her outstretched leg. Grace was able to defend back from center-mid to clear it to safety.

Audrey and Christene used their speed to push the ball deep into the MVLA zone frequently, which kept the ball away from the Devils net. The offensive pressure would ensure that the ball rarely crossed back into evils territory over the final 30 minutes.

Post game ice cream

After the game, the team was treated to ice cream as a reward for the head ball goal Christene scored in the Medina Tournament. The coaches have a standing rule that all head-ball goals are rewarded with a treat of some sort. Players, siblings and parents all had an opportunity to enjoy the treat, even though they were forced eat in the presence of a mini-shirt that was much too short and a tutu big enough to serve as a team shade structure.

Game Positives—

Focus: With all the distractions that were present, it was a prime opportunity for the girls to let their guard down, but as has been the case so many times this season, they were focused once the play started.

Unselfishness: The passing continues to improve across the board. From the fullbacks to he midfielders to the forwards, everyone is stepping up the passing proficiency, which is resulting in solid defensive play and more offensive opportunities.

Timing: Several players have missed time recently due to injury or illness, so getting them back in the lineup was a welcome sight. Seeing there timing after missing some time was impressive to say the least. The girls were anything but tentative with the ball, which translated to better situational play.

Focus Areas—

Nightmares: Unfortunately, the liability insurance that CYSA provides, does not cover psychiatric care. If any of the girls complain of nightmares after seeing coach Brad in that mini-skirt, they’ll just have to work through those issues on their own.

Upset Stomach: Any parents who felt nauseous after seeing Coach Mike in that tutu, should consult their primary care physician.