11/7/09 Game Recap (1-1 Tie)

With the league championship on the line, the Devils squared off against the second place Los Gatos Wildcats on Saturday afternoon at the Sunnyvale Soccer Complex in match that would determine the Delgado Class 3A title. The early morning affair pegged two teams that had tied each other 0-0 in their previous meeting back in September.

On a slick Sunnyvale field, the two teams would trade goals and complete the season series with a 1-1 tie. With a four point lead in the standings and one game remaining after the Saturday showdown, the tie secured the crown for the Devils.

The two teams probed tentatively in the opening two minutes of the game, but Akayla would send a crossing shot that was deflected by the Wildcats keeper in the opening minute.

The Devils would receive some assistance from lady luck just three minutes into the game when a shot attempt bounced out to the top of the box. Kelly was perfectly positioned for the rebound and sent a return shot that skipped off the wet grass, slipping past the Wildcat keeper on a tricky hop.

The goal seemed to jump start Los Gatos, who turned up the heat the remainder of the period. The Devils defense continued their solid play, anchored by Ruhi who calmly swept away several Wildcat chances before the intermission.

Los Gatos narrowly tied the game right before half on a shot that sailed over the crossbar.

That pressure continued in the second half, but this time Los Gatos would take advantage on a tricky hop that skipped over Karsyn’s head and through her hands at the 40 minute mark.

The momentum had clearly swung in Los Gatos favor, but the Devils paid particular focus on getting in front of shot attempts while in the defensive zone.

Katrina and E made a couple of nice plays to move the ball out of the Sunnyvale zone. E in particular used her speed to clear dangerous Los Gatos possessions after claiming ownership of the ball.

Karsyn made two diving saves later in the period to preserve the tie. She was forced to pounce on the ball deep in the goalie box with 6 minutes to play

Christene and Marlene teamed up to put one last run on the Los Gatos net, but the Wildcats speedy fullbacks denied another shot on net.

In an attempt to keep things loose, the coaches made no mention of the implications of a win, loss or tie, which seemed to allow the girls to play a more relaxed game. When the final whistle sounded, both teams congratulated each other on a second consecutive draw.

Both teams played extremely well, but the Devils would celebrate their first league championship in the team’s short history.