4/8/12 Game Recap (2-1 Loss)

Marlene scored for Sunnyvale

The Devils turned in what may have been their most impressive performance as a team on Sunday, but succumb to a late goal to fall to visiting San Francisco Athena 2-1 at the Sunnyvale Soccer Complex. The girls put on a magnificent display of passing and ball control throughout most of the contest. Several multi-combination plays were strung together all afternoon.

As Coach Sonya said after the match, “it was the best game you’ve ever lost.”

The outcome on the scoreboard was a cruel fate after such a fine performance by the girls.

Surrendering early goals has become one hole that the team needs to figure out how to address. Athena scored in the 6th minute after pushing the ball to the top of the 18 then cutting back on the Devils defense. The Athena forward positioned the ball after making the about face and fired it just inside the right post for the early 1-0 lead.

Anna jockey for position

The defense settled down, but the goal would play a big role in eventual outcome. Ruhi, Karsyn, Jess and Lindsay shut down the big Athena shots by playing a tighter approach.

Marlene tied it in the 23rd minute after Audrey and Anna worked a combination at the top of the box. Anna took a shot that the keeper couldn't handle. As the ball trickled the keeper’s left, Marlene swooped in and cleaned up on the doorstep.

Athena had an apparent goal overturned in the 40th min after an off side call was made by the assistant referee.

Anna controlled the middle of the field after that scoring attempt, playing a solid game at center mid.

Kelly just misses on a corner

Audrey fired a shot off the keeper two minutes later after Kelly vaulted a pass up the left sideline. The save prevented Sunnyvale from grabbing the lead as the end of the contest approached.

Athena exploited the left side in the 55th minute, chipping a ball past the defense then shooting on an angle from left to right, slipping a ball past Hazel.