4/10/10 Game Recap (4-0 Win)

Marlene had a monster game

With storm clouds brewing over Sunnyvale Soccer Complex on Saturday the Devils squared off against an undermanned Alpine Bobcats team for the first time The clouds held back, but the Devils stormed to a 4-0 win on the strength of a hat-trick by Marlene and solid defense.

The girls got off to a hot start, pushing the ball into the Bobcat’s zone at the opening kick-off and pressed the issue early. The Devils would strike shortly thereafter. Marlene deposited a deflection off a corner kick in the 3rd minute. Courtney sent the corner into the box where it was partially cleared to Marlene who ripped a 15 foot shot, deflecting it off the Alpine keeper and into the goal.

Kelly narrowly missed on a chance three minutes later, drilling a shot through the left side where the keeper had to make a diving stop. That was just a taste of what was to come. Marlene put another shot wide of the right post a minute later, then Grace uncorked a shot from the top of the box that just missed wide right at the 13 min mark.

Audrey knocks a ball down

Marlene would zero in on her second goal of the afternoon in the 19th minute, tucking a shot just inside the left post for the 2-0 lead. The Devils had held the ball in the offensive zone for a good 5 minutes, in part from the outstanding play in the middle. Grace, Kelly, E, and Katrina kept the Bobcats from generating much offensive momentum by keeping the ball from the midline.

When it did get through, Ruhi, Karsyn, Lindsay, Christene and Jess Jess swept things back into the offensive zone.

The Bobcat’s best chance came right before half time, but Veriche knocked down a shot attempt from her keeper position and grabbed the loose ball for one of two saves on the afternoon.

Ruhi keeps the backline clear

The Devils were awarded a penalty shot 30 second into the 2nd half for a handball in the box. The Alpine keeper would preserve the 2-0 score by snaring Marlene’s shot to the right side.

Courtney would add to the shot parade, just missing on a shot from the right corner of the box in the 42nd minute. Getting a stint at the right mid position, Veriche sent a pretty cross a minute later that Audrey one timed but the keeper got back to grab the shot.

Marlene would make it 3-0 in the 47th minute on a wild sequence. Courtney pushed the ball across the box from right to left, before Audrey put a shot on goal that clanked off the left post. The ball would find its way to Marlene, who drilled home the shot from point blank range.

Celebrating Grace's goal

The Devils would find more iron three minutes later, when Courtey bounced another shot off a post, this time from the right side.

Grace would cap the scoring in the 53rd minute by taking advantage of a tired Bobcats defense. The midfielder carried the ball right down the center of the field, splitting two defenders before ripping an 18 foot shot that hit the twine.

Game Positives—

Celebrate!

Ball control: The girls continue to improve their small ball skills every game. The highlight of the afternoon was play where Marlene put four touches on the ball in a row…without letting it hit the ground.

Head balls: The girls employed back passes from a head ball, which is something that was worked on during Thursday’s practice. Using it as a new weapon in their repertoire, the Devils generated at least two chances on goal with the move.