Devils Capture 3rd Place at 2009 D2 Cup

The 2009 fall season officially came to an end on Sunday with the conclusion of the District 2 Jamboree Cup at the Sunnyvale Soccer Complex. Not to be outdone by their other wonderful accomplishments this season, the Devils brought home a 3rd place finish in the tournament, allowing a mere two goals in four games throughout the weekend. The bronze medal performance gave the girls a top 4 finish in all four tournaments played during the fall season. That, along with the league championship, made the fall 2009 season the most successful in the team’s brief history.

Saturday’s competition pegged the Devils against the South San Jose Aftershock and the Almaden Quicksilver. The first game of the tournament would turn out to be the one that got away, and also prevented the Devils from reaching a tournament championship final for a third time this season.

Game 1 vs South San Jose Aftershock

The early morning game bug would bite the Devils once again, who have been notoriously slow starters in games that commenced before 9am. This game would be no different. The Aftershock gave the Devils an early scare, when Clara, the Devils keeper, pinched out to the left corner of the box to cut-off a partial breakaway. She would partially deflect the ball, but it would end up on the aftershock forward foot wide left of the goal. A shot attempt rang off the post, and Sunnyvale was able to clear the ball safely.

The tightly played contest would begin to open up in the devils favor late in the 1st half. Marlene would just miss on a rocket shot from the top of the box that squarely hit the crossbar in the 20th minute.

Sunnyvale would carry the momentum into the start of the 2nd half, narrowly missing on several chances in the Aftershock zone. After 55 minutes of back and forth play, the field would tilt in the Aftershock’s favor. Sadly, Sunnyvale’s home field advantage would bite them. A seemingly routine shot from 35-feet out hit a rut in front of the goal and deflected past Christene, the Devil’s 2nd half keeper for the only score of the game.

Audrey split two defenders a minute later and had an unimpeded line to the goal, but her 20-foot shot was gloved by the aftershock keeper. The Devils made a wild rush to even the game, holding the ball in the South San Jose end of the field for the remainder of the game, but the couldn’t get the ball across the goal line.

Game 2 vs Almaden Quicksilver

Grace works in traffic

The night cap would prove to be a better representation of Devils soccer, with the girls cruising to a 3-0 win over the Almaden Quicksilver. Courtney opened the game’s scoring with a 20-foot shot from the right side that hit the left rear corner of the Almaden net.

Audrey would setup the next goal by splitting two defenders in the 15th minute, then cutting back to her right and making a pretty cross to the right side where Akayla gathered the pass and punched home the 15 footer for the 2-0 lead.

Akayla made it 3-0 in the 30th minute after Courtney lofted a ball from the left side. Sammie received the ball and slid it to her left for the Akayla one-timer from 10 feet out.

Game 3 vs Burlingame Cyclones

Sunnyvale seemed intent on shaking off the rocky start from the previous morning by pressing the play from the opening whistle. Their urgency resulted in a little too much focus on offense. That would bite them, when a Burlingame shot from 30 feet weaved its way past two Devils’ defenders and the goal keeper in the 11th minute.

Sunnyvale would right the ship and get place more emphasis on the team play that has been so successful this season. The defensive corps buckled down with Kelly moving to the sweeper position and Clara, Lindsay, Karsyn and Jess Jess forcing the ball up field.

Jess Jess swings the ball wide

Akayla would tie the game in the 16th minute after Jess Jess chipped a corner kick feed off the Burlingame keeper. Jess Jess’ shot bounced to the right, where Akayla deposited the equalizer.

The Devils would press the action in the 2nd half, trying to nail down a win, which would put them in the Consolation Final. With time winding down, Burlingame built a head of steam and pushed the ball deep into the Devils zone. Marlene would make a big save with 7 minutes to play, preserving the Devils chances of qualifying for an appearance in the playoff round.

They would get the goal they need in the last minute of play, when a clearing attempt sailed past the Burlingame defense. Akayla had the step she needed and raced down field, out-running two defenders and placing a shot to the right of the Cyclones keeper for the fairy-tale finish.

Consolation Final vs MVLA Typhoons

The consolation final matched two teams very familiar with each other. Sunnyvale and the MVLA Typhoons have faced each other 4 times in league play this year alone, with Sunnyvale taking each meeting.

Audrey drives on goal

The Devils would pour on the offense in the first half, with great play from the midfielders. Grace, Sammie, Katrina, Shivani and Clara would control the middle of the field, preventing the ball from escaping the MVLA zone for seemingly the entire first half.

The midfielders would create the first score of the game by pressing with the ball pushed deep into MVLA territory. Katrina would place the ball at the top of the box, where Grace put a shot on goal. The MVLA keeper made the initial save, but Akayla was there for the put backing the 21st minute, scoring her 5th goal of the tournament.

Making her first appearance in goal since breaking her arm, the Devils keeper, E, was only required handle the ball twice, because of the smothering play by her teammates.

Audrey would push the lead to 2-0 in the 25th minute on a feed up the middle from Grace. The Devils forward received the ball near the top of the penalty arch, then turned toward the goal and punched home a bullet from 15 feet.

MVLA was motivated to get back in the game, and they would cut into the lead with 4 minutes to play on a shot that deflected off Sammie, the 2nd half keeper. The point blank shot came from just outside the right post, but the Devil made a valiant effort to snare it.

The Typhoons had lots of motivation, but not enough time, as the clock expired and the Devils fantastic season came to an end as it has so many times this season… with a victory.

2009 Fall Season Team Video

Here is a video recap of the Devils FANTASTIC 2009 Fall Season. Congratulations to all the players for such a great season!

SASC Devils 98 U11G 2009 Fall Season Video @ Yahoo! Video

D2 Cup Schedule

Here is the schedule for the upcoming CYSA Division 2 Cup, held on 11/21 & 11/22 at the Sunnyvale Soccer Complex.

::: 11/21 (Saturday)

Game #1: Devils 98 vs. SJ Aftershocks
Field: SSC #1
Game Time: 8:15am
Warm up Time: 7:30am
Jersey: Red

Game #2: Almaden Quicksilver Green Vs. Devils 98
Field: SSC#1
Game Time: 12:00pm
Warm up Time: 11:15am
Jersey: White

::: 11/22 (Sunday)

Game #3: Devils 98 Vs. Burlingame Cyclones
Field: SSC#1
Game Time: 9:45am
Warm up Time: 9:00am
Jersey: Red

Consolation Final – 3rd Place
Team with 3rd highest points Vs 4th highest points
Game Time: 2:30pm

Championship Final
Team with highest points Vs. 2nd highest points
Game Time: 2:30pm

For tournament rules & details please click the links below:

   Tournament Rules

   Complete Tournament Schedule

Parents Volunteer Schedule

11/21 (Saturday) – Set up (please arrive at 7:30am)
Don C., Irene E., Mike L., Jon W., Mike G. & Daryl L.

11/22 (Sunday) – Clean up (please arrive at 3:30pm)
Kelly C., Efren H., Melvin H., Gopal S. & Karlo C.

Fall 2009 Game 10 Photos

[Click here] for a slideshow

[Click here] for all photos

11/14/09 Game Recap (5-1 Win)

Akayla celebrates a goal

The Devils capped their championship season with a resounding 5-1 victory over the Mount Hamilton Lightning at the Sunnyvale Soccer Complex on Saturday. The win caped the second undefeated season in team history, and allowed the Devils to finish the season with a point margin over the second place Los Gatos Wildcats.

The margin of victory matched the Devils score in their win over the Lightning back in October. In both cases, the scoreboard didn’t reflect the strength of the Devils opponent, who came to play in the second meeting between the two teams.

As has been the case so many times this season, the Devils jumped on their opponent early. Akayla opened the games scoring with a 25-foot goal in the 3rd minute of the game. She took a feed from Clara right up the middle of the field, then dribbled toward the top of the arc before ripping a laser beam that sailed under the crossbar.

The Lightning would prove they were a formidable opponent by tying the game at the 8 minute mark, after a shot was deflected by Shivani, the Devils goal keeper. The deflection landed to her left, but the Lightning got a second shot off that found the back of the Devils goal.

The Devils would respond 4 minutes later, when Marlene chipped a crossing pass from Courtney past the Lightning keeper.

Clara powers through the middle

The midfield play was particularly exceptional on Saturday, led by Katrina, E, Sammie, Grace and Clara. It allowed the Devils to control the middle of the field, which kept the Lightning from generating many more chances in the first half.

Akayla would give the Devils some breathing room by lofting a shot from the top left of the box at the 20 minute mark that sailed over the Lightning keeper’s head.

Mount Hamilton narrowly missed converting at the 46 minute mark when a shot in the box was deflected wide by the Devils new keeper, Jess Jess. She challenged the shooter by coming out and cutting off the shot.

The Devils defense would clamp down Lightning, led by Ruhi’s control of the backline. Lindsay, Clara, Karsyn and Shivani would prevent any further attacks on the Devils net.

Christene would add to the lead at the 52 minute mark by chipping home a cross from the left side.

Ruhi clearing a ball

The game turned scary when a high kick sent the ball into Shivani’s face, knocking her momentarily out of the game. The referee would issue a yellow card for the play, but Shivani would rejoin the game after a brief rest on the bench.

She would re-enter the game, and promptly send a 30-foot rocket with her left foot just inside the left post with 5 minutes to play to cap the scoring at 5-1.

The final whistle would sound and the Devils had once again finished the season without a loss. By winning the league with a resounding 8-0-2 record, the Devils may be eligible for advancement to the Abronzino Class 1 League in the spring. Given the league victory, the team should receive an invitation, as has been the case for most Class 3 league winners in the past.

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.

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.