4/3/11 Game Recap (3-1 Win)

Darcy makes her Devils debut

The Devils kicked off the 2011 CCSL Spring Season with an impressive 3-1 win over the defending CCSL Silver Elite Champion MP Strikers on Sunday at the Sunnyvale Soccer Complex. The Devils shrugged off an early 1-0 deficit and stormed back with three unanswered goals to kick off the spring season in impressive fashion.

The team welcomed new midfielder Darcie to the lineup, who played a great game, controlling the right side for most of the afternoon. Her Mom tells us she was a little nervous about making her Devils debut, but she looked as cool as a cucumber whenever she had the ball at her feet.

Overall, the girls looked fantastic out of the gate. Having a reputation as notoriously slow starters, the off-season running program that was managed by Mike Gallagher paid immediate dividends for the team. Endurance was a non-factor the entire afternoon and team speed played a role in the victory.

Things got off to a rocky start when the Strikers converted in just the 8th minute of play. The Devils opponent put a shot on net from the top left corner of the 18, that deflected off a Devils defender. Akayla, the Devils goalkeeper, was in position to make the save on the initial shot, but the deflection made a stop an impossibility. It would be the only Devils blemish on the afternoon.

Audrey celebrates her goal

Sunnyvale would counter 6 minutes later when Audrey slipped past the MP defense off a long free kick by Karsyn from midfield. Beating two defenders, Audrey gathered the pass outside the 18, cut left and slipped a shot past the Strikers keeper to tie the game

Courtney made it 2-1 in the 21st minute, after Grace sent a pretty corner in from the left side. The speedy forward used her ball skills rather than her speed to convert the goal, chipping a shot on goal before the ball could hit the ground. Kelly positioned herself perfectly in front of the Strikers keeper, screening her view. By the time the keeper picked up the shot, it was through legs.

The Strikers showed why they were league champions later in the period, stringing together a series of attacks on the Devils net. Akayla made a big save right before half by stopping a 15 foot rocket with a big chest save.

The Devils backline would suppress the Strikers offense, led by Ruhi who calmly swept a handful of through-balls safely to the sidelines. Her defensive timing was spot on as usual.

Christene starts the attack

The outside defenders forced the Strikers to focus on central attacks, because they took away the outside lanes. Lindsay and Christene used their speed to track down equally quick Striker forwards.

Audrey added a second goal in the 46th minute after Courtney sent a cross from the right side. The MP keeper got both hands on the ball but couldn't contain it. Audrey swooped in from the left side punching it home with a sliding stab at the ball.
Clara, E and Katrina all had strong games in the middle, tying up the Strikers attack and moving the ball well.

The Devils keeper came up big at the end of the game, stopping a series of shots from a variety of distances.

Game Positives—-

The girls did a great job capitalizing on their opportunities in front of the net. That was a problem area last season, but they showed great improvement by getting the ball into the attacking zone and putting shots on net. Overall, team hustle was very evident. The girls are improving on attacking the ball and moving to space. They also consistently improve on their decision making, especially under pressure. As the girls transition to a new offensive format, they are coming along well in interpreting how that format can be used to beat opposing defenses. Making that adjustment is no easy task, especially since they’ve played a different format for so long.

Development Areas--

There was a tendency to kick the ball forward when there was no pressure. This would result in unnecessary turnovers. Through ball passes could also use some work. Receiving the ball in the air continues to be an area that the team can improve on as a whole. The Strikers used this skill to great advantage.