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.

10/9/10 Game Recap (1-0 Loss)

The Devils faced off against a familiar opponent on Saturday, dropping a close 1-0 decision to the Orchard Valley Rampage at the Sunnyvale Soccer Complex. The contest was a typical Devils-Rampage affair, well played and tightly contested. The Devils would come up short, but the score didn’t do their performance justice. There was no reward for the solid play turned in by the girls.

The Rampage would capitalize early, scoring the game’s only goal on a shot that found the upper left corner of the goal at the 7 minute mark.

The remainder of the first half was a cat-and-mouse game between the two teams. The Devils defense would settle things on a strong performance by Christene, who shut down two Rampage strikers by blanketing them.

Clara would make the save of the game with a diving stop in the 19th minute. A sure goal was headed toward the left side of the goal, when she snared the shot by leaping to her right.

Lindsay took control of the ball with time winding down in the first half. Trapping the ball along the left sideline, she recognized there was open space and made the decision to carry it up the line, pushing the play into the offensive zone. She would get a cross off after taking the initiative to move up from her defensive position.

The Devils offense would kick things into gear in the 2nd half. Courtney would fire a shot that just cleared the top of the crossbar in the 43rd minute. Akayla would miss just wide of the right post 3 minutes later.

Kelly would turn in a solid performance in goal in the second half, denying the Rampage any space to maneuver the ball in front of the goal.

With time winding down, the Devils would get one last crack at tying the game. Akayla would intercept a clearing attempt, before launching a shot that just cleared the crossbar.

Game Positives—

Defensive Adjustments: The girls made the necessary defensive adjustments to suppress a very talented Rampage offense.

Generating Chances: The girls did a better job at generating scoring opportunities, especially in the second half.


Development Areas—


Controlling the First Touch: Maintaining possession is critical as the level of play increases. Controlling the ball off the first touch is something the girls will focus as part of technical training.

Finishing: the scoring chances were there, but several shots were rushed when there was time to settle the ball and setup a higher quality shot.

10/3/10 Game Recap (3-2 Win)

A day after the Devils dropped a tough 3-1 decision, they would rebound to defeat West Valley Surefire at the Sunnyvale Soccer Complex on Sunday, winning their first game of the season. The game was a nice turnaround from the setback that soured the start of the weekend less than 24 hours earlier.

The girls came ready to play and showed it with a flurry of scoring chances right out of the gate. Akayla put a nice header on goal just two minutes into the game, but a tall Surefire goal keeper would avert danger by gloving the ball.
Courtney would follow that up with a dive up the right side four minutes later, cranking a shot that sailed over the crossbar.

Karsyn's 1st goal clears the keeper

Kelly was fouled from behind in the 14th minute, setting up a free kick from 35 yards out. Playing from her stopper position, Karsyn was tasked with taking the kick. She would unload on the ball, launching a shot that cleared the Surefire keeper for her first league goal.

Courtney would make it 2-0 five minutes later after Marlene slid a pretty diagonal pass to the right corner. Courtney carried the ball on goal and ripped a shot that stretched the twine in the back left corner of the goal.

Audrey just missed putting the Devils up by three goals with two minutes remaining in the half, when her shot just missed wide left. The momentum would swing moments later.

Marlene played big on Sunday

Surefire would cut the Devils lead in half with less than a minute remaining before the intermission by bending a corner kick around Katrina’s glove.

They would strike while the iron was still hot, tying the game 40 seconds into the 2nd half. A Surefire forward slipped up the middle of the field and jumped pas a defender before snapping a point blank shot from just inside the 18.

It looked as if the game was tilting in West Valley’s favor, before the Devils pushed another ball deep into the Surefire zone. They would draw a corner kick, but the ensuing ball would pin-ball in the small bow for an eternity before being cleared to safety.

Celebrating the game winner!

The Devils would get the goal they needed to put them back on top from an unlikely source, when Karsyn converted her second goal of the game. Trapping a clearing attempt outside the 18, she would get her left foot on the ball, firing a shot to the right corner with ten minutes to play.

The play of the game would come with 5 minutes remaining, when E snagged a sure goal out of the air from her goal keeping position. Surefire worked the ball to the left side of the goal, where a forward ripped a chest high shot that was destined for the back of the net. Diving to her right, she would make a backhanded grab of the ball to preserve the Devils slim lead.

The defense would take over to shut down a final attempt by West Valley to score the equalizer. Ruhi would direct a solid backline in the second half, teaming up with Lindsay, Clara and Jess Jess to put the clamps on any comeback.

Game Positives—

Rebounding: In typical Devils fashion, the girls built on their loss from the day before and played with confidence. They showed no ill effects from setback and played with the enthusiasm that has made them so successful.

Defensive Positioning: The girls cleaned up some of the defensive positioning issues to takeaway opportunities from Surefires big shots.

Shot Quantity: The girls recognized that they need to shoot more to generate scoring. They addressed that by taking plenty of shots.

Focus Areas—

Shot Placement: The girls let several scoring chances slip away by putting shots directly on the goal keeper. Poise with the ball in shooting situations can be converted to more breathing room.


Timing Focus: Surrendering a goal right before halftime provided a big momentum shift, which the opposition used to start the 2nd half. The girls relaxed right before halftime and it bit them. Recognizing that the opposition will push late in any half is something the girls need to be more cognizant of, especially at the direction of the coaches.

10/1/10 Game Recap (3-1 Loss)

The Devils took one on the chin on Saturday afternoon in Los Altos, dropping a 3-1 decision to the MVLA Typhoons at Grant Park. It was a tale of missed early opportunities that were countered by a skilled opponent.

The first 15 minutes of the game seemed to point to a favorable outcome, as the Devils quickly gained control of the ball and drove on net for an offensive chance. The ensuing shot would sail over the crossbar, but it wouldn’t be the last time the Devils would put the ball on net.

They would quickly work another offensive chance when Akayla and Audrey teamed up for a scoring chance on the left side, but a shot attempt was gloved by the MVL A goaltender.

The Typhoons would finally crack the scoring column in the 18th minute, when a shot from the top of the 18 sailed over Grace’s head. The Devils goal keeper had no chance at stopping the high shot.

The Devils defense would drop their guard after the goal, providing another scoring chance two minutes later. With the Typhoons flooding the box with four players, a head ball landed on the foot of a midfielder 10-yards out, for the easy chip shot into the goal.

An unlucky play would cost the Devils midway through the 2nd half, when a shot attempt from the right side slipped past Karsyn, who was now covering the goal. The ball cut across the front of the goal, but a Devils defender accidentally redirected the ball into the goal for the 3-0 Typhoons lead.

True to the Devils spirit, the girls kept plugging and would get on the board with a minute remaining in the game.

Marlene would take a pass 25-yards out with her back to the goal. She would pivot to her left with a defender between her and the goal, then snap a shot that beat the Typhoons goaltender just inside the left post.

Game Positives—


Persistence: Even with the game long decided, the girls kept playing the game. They would utilize one of the training skills that was implemented earlier in the week to convert their goal.

Focus Areas—


Skills Development: The Devils opponent clearly demonstrated the value of the short game and ball handling skills. Controlling the ball is critical at this level as was evident on all four goals.

Trapping: Controlling balls in the air continues to be an area that needs attention. Two of the goals could have been averted has we controlled high balls.

Passing Accuracy: The absence of more precision with passing squelched several offensive chances throughout the game. This is one development area called out by the girls after the game.

Devils Win Palo Alto Talls Tree Tournament

The Devils turned a near perfect performance this past weekend at the Palo Alto Tall Trees Tournament, taking the U12 Girls Championship with four shutout victories. The girls advanced to the tournament championship game with three solid wins, then brought home the tournament title with a hard fought win over a talented Folsom Stryker squad.

The championship game pegged two teams that dominated in round robin play. The Devils scored the maximum number of points possible during that stage of the tournament, by winning, scoring at least three goals in each game and holding their opponent scoreless.

Kelly cranks a shot on goal

In the final, Sunnyvale scored in the opening minute of play and made the lone goal hold up in a 1-0 decision over Folsom. Audrey converted the game’s only goal with a shot from the top left corner of the 18 after receiving a booming free kick from Karsyn on the right side. A foul along the right sideline, setup the 35-yard feed from the Devils stopper.

The offensive chances were limited because of great defensive play by both teams, but the Devils made things exciting when given the opportunity. After the first half ended with the Devils up by the single goal, the Strykers were expected to turn up the heat. The Devils game plan was to try and force the offense in order to limit any Stryker scoring chances.

The girls would execute the game plan to perfection, limiting Folsom to two shots in the second half. The backline play of Ruhi, Lindsay, Christene, Karsyn, Clara and Jess Jess stifled the Strykers offense.

Grace, Kelly, E and Katrina controlled the middle and set up numerous chances with a constant stream of feeds.

Devils 4 – MCFC Blizzard 0

The Devils advanced on three big wins earlier in the weekend. On Saturday, the opened the tournament with a 4-0 win over the Monterey County FC Blizzard. After a scoreless first half, the girls went to work.

Akayla gets airborne

Akayla converted 4 minutes into the 2nd half after Courtney sent a pretty ball in from the right corner. Akayla trapped it n the box then slipped a shot just inside the right post, and the offense was off to the races.

The Devils appeared to convert on a crazy play that included three touches in the air. They would be called for offside on the play, nullifying the goal, but it was a testament to the juggling work that the girls focus on. They would convert moments after that on a 25-yard free kick from Grace that sailed over the keeper.

Courtney was credited with a goal two minutes later when her shot was gloved by the keeper but carried over the goal line. She would add another tally with 10 minutes to play on a penalty kick after Kelly was fouled in the box.

Devils 3 – Stanford Wildfire 0

The girls finished Saturday with another win, a 3-0 decision over young Stanford Wildfire squad. Akayla would set the tone with a header attempt in the 7th minute that just missed left of the goal.

Lindsay securing the backline

Marlene helped snap her teammates out of funk with a goal in the 24th minute, trapping a loose ball inside the 18 and chipping a shot just under the crossbar for the #1-0 lead. Kelly made it 2-0 with a nice dribble across the 18, before finishing with a shot that clipped the left post.

Grace capped the game’s scoring by intercepting a goal kick on the right side with three minutes to play, before cranking a shot that slipped under the cross bar.

Devils 5 – Marin Storm 0

The energy level picked up in the last game of round robin play on Sunday with the Devils taking a 5-0 decision over the Sonoma Storm. Big shots were the story of the game. Karsyn unleashed a booming attempt in the 4th minute that just missed left. Akayla would follow that up with a shot from inside the 18, that was blocked by the Sonoma keeper. Marlene would unleash a third attempt on goal in the 19th minute that sailed over the crossbar.

Grace following a shot

Courtney finally converted right before halftime by taking a long feed from Akayla up the right sideline and sliding a shot past the keeper to the left post. She would add a second goal a minute into the 2nd half, duplicating her initial tally with a shot from the same spot on the right side.

Akayla got into the act and made it 3-0 in the 34th minute, by carrying a feed up the left side and rifling a ball that found nothing but net.

Ruhi scores her 2nd goal

With the game in hand, position switches were made, including moving Ruhi up from her sweeper position to center forward. She would promptly score a pair of goals to cap the win. She converted with 7 minutes to play fighting off three defenders just inside the 18 then snapping a shot with her body squared to the right sideline.

She added a second tally 4 minutes later, carrying the ball through traffic and slipping a shot inside the right post.

9/18/10 Game Recap (1-1 Tie)

Grace wins the ball

Sometimes you just need to be happy with the hand that you’re dealt and move on. The Devils missed a golden opportunity to secure their first win of the season against one of the stronger teams in the division on Saturday, but in the end were happy to get away with a tie. Playing on a hot and humid day in Santa Clara, the Devils squeaked out a 1-1 tie against Sporting 99.

The Devils could have made it a much different game had they converted on their early chances. The heat and humidity may have played a role in the games outcome for both teams, who looked lethargic out of the gate.

Akayla had a nice chance in the 4th minute of the game, punching a shot just short of the goal line after the Sporting goal keeper missed on a diving save. The ball was eventually cleared to safety, but the missed opportunity would bite the Devils.
Both teams had difficulty kick starting things in the first half, but Santa Clara would miss on a golden chance in the 37th minute when a lofting feed into the box was one-timed just wide of the left post.

Christene fights for position

Santa Clara would capitalize on a Devils miscue in the 40th minute, after a goal kick up the middle of the field fell short. A Sporting forward would scoop up the ball then race into the box and slide a pass to her left. A trailing forward punched the ball home for the 1-0 Santa Clara lead.

The Devils would rally late with a series of scoring chances. First Akayla took a feed from Audrey on the left side then pumped a shot as she was being tackled. The Sporting keeper gloved the shot, but it would be a taste of what was to come.
AK would setup another prime scoring chance 2 minutes later, with a chip pass to her right to Courtney, who unloaded a blast that was once again stopped by the SC keeper with a glove save.

Ruhi locked down the back line

Audrey would score the equalizer in the 56th minute, sending a shot from the left side of the 18, bouncing it off the right post and into the goal. She slipped a Sporting defender just outside the 18, before taking a step and putting some pop into the shot.

The Devils were able to manufacturer the equalizer because their defenders were locked on in that last 10 minutes. Ruhi played an exceptional game and was awarded Player of the Game.

Game Positives—

Perseverance: Once again, the girls showed that they’re never out of a game. Stepping up the pressure in the last 10 minutes of the game showed that they can compete in the Bay Silver Elite Division.

Sustaining Pressure: The Devils opponent was an exceptional passing team, but the Devils offset that to some degree by constantly pressuring the passer and with coverage as soon as the ball was received.

Development Areas-

Over-committing: Several players had a tendency to over-commit to one side of a player when attacking on defense. This resulted in opportunities for the SC ball-handlers to turn easily with the ball and get past the Devil defender.
Creating Offensive combination Plays: We’ve worked extensively on combination plays, which is something the Sporting squad utilized very well against us. This is a development area that will pay huge dividends for this team once they master this skill.

Shots from the Outside: The girls could have created more scoring opportunities if they had simply put more balls on goal. They are generating zone penetration, but need to have more faith in their shooting. Putting their shots to the corners is something we need to develop more.

9/12/10 Game Recap (0-0 Tie)

Akayla moving the ball up field

The Devils played their first road game of the season on a blustery day in Santa Cruz on Saturday. The girls turned in a solid performance to tie the host SCC Breakers 0-0 at Cabrillo College. The girls had plenty of scoring chances, but just couldn’t get the goal needed to grab their first victory of the season.

A hot Breakers goaltender was the star of the game, denying several chances in the offensive zone. The Devils controlled the tempo of the game for much of the first half, keeping the ball pinned in the Breakers zone.

Marlene and Audrey teamed up for a pair of scoring opportunities in the first half, but the ball would be smothered by the Breakers goal keeper on both occasions.
The midfield play was exceptional for the Devils, who kept the pressure on the Breakers with several feeds up both sidelines. Grace, Kelly and Clara had nice performances patrolling the middle of the field and sending nice leading passes when the situation warranted it.

Kelly & Courtney attack

The Breakers had a quick sweeper who contained the deep ball threats with her quickness and ability to clear away most of the dangerous balls that were sent across the mid-line. The first half would end without any scoring.

In typical fashion, the Devils turned up the heat in the second half. Sustained pressure deep in the Breakers zone would provide the first big chance for the Sunnyvale squad. A hand-ball call inside the Breakers 18 resulted in a penalty shot for the Devils, but the field was not properly marked. The referee paced off the yardage for the shot, but the ball was placed a good 6 feet beyond where the mark should have been painted.

Courtney would uncork a blast that was headed high center, but the extended length of the shot allowed the Breakers keeper to track the ball easily, knocking it down then pouncing on it.

Audrey fights for possession

Another call gave the Devils a free kick in the 53rd minute from 70 feet out. Karsyn put a big foot on the ensuing kick, launching a ball that found a seam in the defense and bounced six feet in front of the goal line. The Breakers keeper deflected the ball, but couldn’t control it. As it rolled through the box, she pounced on it before a Devils player could reach it.

The Devils defense played superbly, led by Lindsay’s strong showing on the outside. Ruhi and Christene did a great job of locking down the back end.

The offense literally took a hit in the last 4 minutes of the contest, when Courtney was forced off by a bloody nose as a result of an errant elbow.

Game Positives—

Implementing Skills: The team did a great job of infusing overlap runs, wall passes and more advanced passing sequences in their game, which resulted in better ball control.

Communication: The back liners are starting to orchestrate from their vantage point, which is helping to setup attacks and establish better defensive positioning. We’re discovering that several players actually have voices!

Development Areas-

Going in the Kill: The Devils had a few opportunities to establish more control in the offensive zone, but couldn’t generate the necessary scoring.

Swarming: Most of the quality scoring chances could have paid bigger dividends if there was follow through on the plays by the outside forwards. The Breakers keeper had some issue handling the ball on occasion, but there was no follow up pressure to take advantage of the situation.

9/11/10 Game Recap (2-1 Loss)

Lindsay clearing the ball

The Devils kicked off the 2010 Fall CCSL Season on Saturday with an exciting performance against the Central Valley Jaguars at the Sunnyvale Soccer Complex. Playing in the newly formed Bay Silver Elite Division, the girls were pegged against a former Class 1, Division 1 team. They would fight to tie the game midway through the 2nd half, but would surrender the game winner with six minutes to play to fall 2-1.

It was a great introduction to the higher level of play that the Devils fought to achieve by winning the Delgado A Division last year. The competition was certainly faster and more skilled than what the Devils had grown accustomed to seeing, but they met the challenge head on.

They would get things going early with a steady dose of pressure in the Jaguars zone. Courtney setup the game’s first scoring chance with a pretty cross in the 3rd minute that was cleared by a Jaguar defender. The pass forced a sliding save in the box in order to prevent the Devils from cashing in.

Ruhi guarding the backline

The majority of the first half was played in the Central Valley, but an errant break led to a Jaguars goal in the 19th minute. A lead pass deflected landed on eh boot of a jaguars striker on the right side. The initial shot was turned away by Akayla who made the start in goal. The deflection was chipped over to the left in a wild scrum, where another Jaguars forward fired home the game’s first goal.

Sunnyvale continued to pressure in the Jaguars zone, getting off a pair of shots that sailed wide of the net.

They just missed on a golden chance 4 minutes into the 2nd half after Akayla, now at forward, carried a pass up the right side and ripped a shot off the Central Valley goal keeper. The ball pin-balled in the box for several seconds before being cleared to safety.

Kelly had a solid game

The Devils would tie it up in the 44th minute on a wild sequence in front of the Central Valley net. Courtney started things with a big shot from the right side that kicked back out to the 18. Grace followed up with another shot that hit a defender and deflected back to Courtney for the follow up shot. She would chip the ball wide of the keeper, finding the back of the net for the 1-1 tie.

Central Valley would lean on their experience late in the game to convert the game winner. With 6 minutes to play, the Jaguars would send a corner kick into the box from the right side. Sensing that the clock was winding down on the game, they flooded the box with their mids. The devils would encounter some bad luck when a great attempt to clear the ball by Kelly deflected off a Jaguars player into the net for the 2-1 lead.

Celebrating a goal

The Devils would make a mad rush at the end of the game to try and bag the equalizer, but a push in the Central Valley zone just came up short. It was an exciting ending to a well played game.

While the game’s outcome wasn’t what the team had hoped, the performance was outstanding. The coaches raved about the play of each player after the game.

Game Positives—

Ready to Play: The girls picked up were they left off in the Spring with a combination of fantastic team play. They were well prepared to take on a highly skilled team that was quick.

Utilizing Skills: Several players executed some of the higher level skills that have been part of the training regimen over the last couple of months. Lateral ball movement and overlap runs were on display during the game.

Attitude: After showing so much success the past three seasons, it would have been easy for the girls to hang their heads after losing for the first time in league in three Fall seasons, but they ended the game the same way they started it. Successful athletes don’t get too high or too low after a performance, and this is a natural trait of this team.


Development Areas—

Trusting Instincts: As expected, the quickness of the game resulted in some hasty decisions with the ball. In some cases, the girls had time to make a play with the ball, but panicked and immediately kicked it away without finding a target or electing to dribble. There needs to be more trust in their skills, which are more than capable of handling these types of situations.

Playing Balls in the Air: As has been a constant issue, balls in the air continue to be a blemish in the team’s overall game. The failure to utilize chest traps and head balls is resulting in lost chances to control the ball.