10/10/10 Game Recap (1-0 Loss)

Sometimes the scoreboard can be a cruel thing. Just a day after dropping an evenly matched contest, the Devils dropped their second consecutive 1-0 decision even though they played well enough to win. Facing off against the second ranked team in the league, the Devils lost a heartbreaker to the Menlo Park Strikers at Burgess Field.

The Devils turned in another strong performance, worthy of a victory, but they would fall on a lone goal. Both teams would spend the better part of the first half feeling out openings in the defense.

Grace played one of the best games of the season at center midfield, controlling the middle against a skilled Strikers team. Playing on a large field, she was forced to cover significant ground throughout the game.

Menlo Park had exceptional ball control skills, which forced the Devils to focus pursuing the play. They would generate the game’s only score after intercepting a goal kick that fell short in the 34th minute. A Strikers forward would pooch a 35-foot rainbow shot that just cleared Jess Jess in goal, to put Menlo Park up 1-0.
Marlene would fire a 25-foot shot in the 40th minute after receiving a ball outside the box. The shot would be snared by the Strikers goalkeeper chest high.

The Devils would generate their best scoring chance with 12 minutes to play. A corner chance found its way into the small box where it deflected off a Devils forward. The ball was played in the air by two more players, before landing on Marlene’s boot for a shot attempt that floated over the crossbar.

The Strikers did a nice job of suppressing the Devils runs which limited more scoring opportunities late in the game.

Game Positives—

Opening Up the Offense: The girls focused on getting more balls on goal, which resulted in more scoring chances than the previous game. We will continue to focus on generating more scoring chances by putting balls on net.

Midfield Play: The mids helped control the tempo of the game by covering a lot of ground all afternoon.

Development Areas—

Controlling the First Touch: This was the development theme of the weekend. The girls could have reduced turnovers with improved ball control.

High Traps: Knocking down balls that are waist high (and higher) continues to be area the girls are struggling with. Controlling high balls with a foot was a recipe for disaster, allowing through balls to pass the fullbacks on several occasions.