Devils Capture 3rd Place at 2009 D2 Cup

The 2009 fall season officially came to an end on Sunday with the conclusion of the District 2 Jamboree Cup at the Sunnyvale Soccer Complex. Not to be outdone by their other wonderful accomplishments this season, the Devils brought home a 3rd place finish in the tournament, allowing a mere two goals in four games throughout the weekend. The bronze medal performance gave the girls a top 4 finish in all four tournaments played during the fall season. That, along with the league championship, made the fall 2009 season the most successful in the team’s brief history.

Saturday’s competition pegged the Devils against the South San Jose Aftershock and the Almaden Quicksilver. The first game of the tournament would turn out to be the one that got away, and also prevented the Devils from reaching a tournament championship final for a third time this season.

Game 1 vs South San Jose Aftershock

The early morning game bug would bite the Devils once again, who have been notoriously slow starters in games that commenced before 9am. This game would be no different. The Aftershock gave the Devils an early scare, when Clara, the Devils keeper, pinched out to the left corner of the box to cut-off a partial breakaway. She would partially deflect the ball, but it would end up on the aftershock forward foot wide left of the goal. A shot attempt rang off the post, and Sunnyvale was able to clear the ball safely.

The tightly played contest would begin to open up in the devils favor late in the 1st half. Marlene would just miss on a rocket shot from the top of the box that squarely hit the crossbar in the 20th minute.

Sunnyvale would carry the momentum into the start of the 2nd half, narrowly missing on several chances in the Aftershock zone. After 55 minutes of back and forth play, the field would tilt in the Aftershock’s favor. Sadly, Sunnyvale’s home field advantage would bite them. A seemingly routine shot from 35-feet out hit a rut in front of the goal and deflected past Christene, the Devil’s 2nd half keeper for the only score of the game.

Audrey split two defenders a minute later and had an unimpeded line to the goal, but her 20-foot shot was gloved by the aftershock keeper. The Devils made a wild rush to even the game, holding the ball in the South San Jose end of the field for the remainder of the game, but the couldn’t get the ball across the goal line.

Game 2 vs Almaden Quicksilver

Grace works in traffic

The night cap would prove to be a better representation of Devils soccer, with the girls cruising to a 3-0 win over the Almaden Quicksilver. Courtney opened the game’s scoring with a 20-foot shot from the right side that hit the left rear corner of the Almaden net.

Audrey would setup the next goal by splitting two defenders in the 15th minute, then cutting back to her right and making a pretty cross to the right side where Akayla gathered the pass and punched home the 15 footer for the 2-0 lead.

Akayla made it 3-0 in the 30th minute after Courtney lofted a ball from the left side. Sammie received the ball and slid it to her left for the Akayla one-timer from 10 feet out.

Game 3 vs Burlingame Cyclones

Sunnyvale seemed intent on shaking off the rocky start from the previous morning by pressing the play from the opening whistle. Their urgency resulted in a little too much focus on offense. That would bite them, when a Burlingame shot from 30 feet weaved its way past two Devils’ defenders and the goal keeper in the 11th minute.

Sunnyvale would right the ship and get place more emphasis on the team play that has been so successful this season. The defensive corps buckled down with Kelly moving to the sweeper position and Clara, Lindsay, Karsyn and Jess Jess forcing the ball up field.

Jess Jess swings the ball wide

Akayla would tie the game in the 16th minute after Jess Jess chipped a corner kick feed off the Burlingame keeper. Jess Jess’ shot bounced to the right, where Akayla deposited the equalizer.

The Devils would press the action in the 2nd half, trying to nail down a win, which would put them in the Consolation Final. With time winding down, Burlingame built a head of steam and pushed the ball deep into the Devils zone. Marlene would make a big save with 7 minutes to play, preserving the Devils chances of qualifying for an appearance in the playoff round.

They would get the goal they need in the last minute of play, when a clearing attempt sailed past the Burlingame defense. Akayla had the step she needed and raced down field, out-running two defenders and placing a shot to the right of the Cyclones keeper for the fairy-tale finish.

Consolation Final vs MVLA Typhoons

The consolation final matched two teams very familiar with each other. Sunnyvale and the MVLA Typhoons have faced each other 4 times in league play this year alone, with Sunnyvale taking each meeting.

Audrey drives on goal

The Devils would pour on the offense in the first half, with great play from the midfielders. Grace, Sammie, Katrina, Shivani and Clara would control the middle of the field, preventing the ball from escaping the MVLA zone for seemingly the entire first half.

The midfielders would create the first score of the game by pressing with the ball pushed deep into MVLA territory. Katrina would place the ball at the top of the box, where Grace put a shot on goal. The MVLA keeper made the initial save, but Akayla was there for the put backing the 21st minute, scoring her 5th goal of the tournament.

Making her first appearance in goal since breaking her arm, the Devils keeper, E, was only required handle the ball twice, because of the smothering play by her teammates.

Audrey would push the lead to 2-0 in the 25th minute on a feed up the middle from Grace. The Devils forward received the ball near the top of the penalty arch, then turned toward the goal and punched home a bullet from 15 feet.

MVLA was motivated to get back in the game, and they would cut into the lead with 4 minutes to play on a shot that deflected off Sammie, the 2nd half keeper. The point blank shot came from just outside the right post, but the Devil made a valiant effort to snare it.

The Typhoons had lots of motivation, but not enough time, as the clock expired and the Devils fantastic season came to an end as it has so many times this season… with a victory.

10/31/09 Game Recap (1-0 Win)

The Devils were treated to their own personal house of horrors on Halloween, courtesy of the coaching staff and their own tournament success. After winning the Medina Fall Classic the week prior, Coach Brad and Coach Mike were forced to make due on a bet they made with the girls prior to the tournament. That bet was to allow the girls to pick out their Halloween costumes, which also had to be worn on the sidelines during the Devils – MVLA Typhoons game on Saturday.

The coaches paid in full, and the girls obliged with another shutout victory. This time a 1-0 win over the Typhoons at Grant Park in Los Altos.

With all the distractions created by the coaches, the girls could have easily succumbed to the talented MVLA squad, but they did what they had to do, winning their 7th game of the season.

Coach Diabla goes over pre-game strategy

The first half was a back and forth exchange of chances for both sides, but neither team could cash in on offensive chances. Akayla provided two quality scoring opportunities in the first 10 minutes of the game, but the Typhoons keeper had a solid half.

The Devils defense continued their solid play with their 5th shutout of the season. Anchored by Ruhi’s rock-solid play at sweeper, the Typhoons were consistently repelled. Karsyn and Clara shared time at stopper and Lindsay and Jessica secured the outside fullback positions.

MVLA would make a push in the 20th minute with three chances deep in the Devils zone, but the fullbacks cleared each chance.

The offense got things rolling right before half. Playing in her first game back since fracturing her arm at the Tall Trees Tournament, E had solid stints at forward, and parlayed the opportunity with several series that ended deep in Typhoon territory.

E made her return to the lineup

Grace got a rocket shot off right before half time, that the MVLA keeper was forced to glove.

Courtney would finally break the ice in the 33rd minute, after Akayla fired a bullet that bounced off the MVLA keeper’s hands. As the ball trickled to the right side of the small box, Courtney swooped in and deposited the rebound for the only tally of the game.

The midfield play of Kelly, Grace, Katrina, Shivani and Sammie controlled the center of the field for most of the second half. Marlene was only required to glove the ball three times from her keeper position, and calmly moved the ball back out to the midfield with her big punts.

The Typhoons one big chance in the second half came off a corner kick that was deflected across the box. An MVLA forward was perched on the far post, but the ball too a fortuitous hop over her outstretched leg. Grace was able to defend back from center-mid to clear it to safety.

Audrey and Christene used their speed to push the ball deep into the MVLA zone frequently, which kept the ball away from the Devils net. The offensive pressure would ensure that the ball rarely crossed back into evils territory over the final 30 minutes.

Post game ice cream

After the game, the team was treated to ice cream as a reward for the head ball goal Christene scored in the Medina Tournament. The coaches have a standing rule that all head-ball goals are rewarded with a treat of some sort. Players, siblings and parents all had an opportunity to enjoy the treat, even though they were forced eat in the presence of a mini-shirt that was much too short and a tutu big enough to serve as a team shade structure.

Game Positives—

Focus: With all the distractions that were present, it was a prime opportunity for the girls to let their guard down, but as has been the case so many times this season, they were focused once the play started.

Unselfishness: The passing continues to improve across the board. From the fullbacks to he midfielders to the forwards, everyone is stepping up the passing proficiency, which is resulting in solid defensive play and more offensive opportunities.

Timing: Several players have missed time recently due to injury or illness, so getting them back in the lineup was a welcome sight. Seeing there timing after missing some time was impressive to say the least. The girls were anything but tentative with the ball, which translated to better situational play.

Focus Areas—

Nightmares: Unfortunately, the liability insurance that CYSA provides, does not cover psychiatric care. If any of the girls complain of nightmares after seeing coach Brad in that mini-skirt, they’ll just have to work through those issues on their own.

Upset Stomach: Any parents who felt nauseous after seeing Coach Mike in that tutu, should consult their primary care physician.

Fall 2009 Game 3 Photos

[Click here] for a slideshow

[Click here] for all photos

9/20/09 Game Recap (3-1 Win)

Clara clears the ball

The girls had so much fun on Saturday, that they decided to do it all over again on Sunday. This time the offense was as hot as the blistering heat. The Devils opened things up against the MVLA Typhoons and stormed to a 3-1 win at the Sunnyvale Soccer Complex.

With a pre-game emphasis on putting more shots on goal, the girls did exactly that, and it would pay off for them. Christene would set the tone on the opening possession with a booming shot that sailed over the crossbar. The play didn’t result in a tally, but the message was clear that they Devils had come to play.

Courtney would score the first of two goals on the day in the 7th minute, by taking a diagonal feed from Grace at the center line, then racing up field and slipping a shot just inside the right post.

Katrina turned up the heat on Sunday

She would make it 2-0 just four minutes later, after Shivani sent a booming through ball up the right side. Courtney grabbed the lead pass in the right corner than carried it toward the goal sliding a shot from right to left that just slipped past the MVLA goal keeper.

Audrey would get in on the action in the 20th minute by taking a feed from Katrina up the left side and punching home a 25-footer from outside the left post.

The defense played another smothering game, restricting the shots on their own net. MVLA would get a serious chance on net, when they were awarded a direct kick 6-yards outside the box. The ensuing shot would be gloved by Lindsay, but not before it bounced off her chest and back into the air. The Devils keeper did a great job of preventing rebound chance while the box was filled with blue jerseys.

Forming a wall

The Typhoons would get on the board right before half-time, when the Devils keeper challenged a shooter near the right post. Taking the shot away, the Typhoons right forward slid a pass from right to left, parallel with the goal line to a trailing forward. The Devils let the trailer slip underneath for the easy tap in goal.

The second half became more of an up-and-down game, with both teams clogging up the middle of the field. Courtney had one more chance at a hat-trick in the 34th minute, when a breakaway chance was pushed just wide of the right post.

With Ruhi in net for the 2nd half, the Devils dodged a bullet when she made a big save off a corner in the 38th minute.

The one blemish on the day came with 3 minutes left in the contest. Playing stopper, Grace took a big ball square off her nose, stopping play as the coaches attended to her. The play proved that these kids can generate some velocity on the ball, as was evident by the bloody nose Grace was sporting after the game.

Katrina would cap one last push with a booming shot in the 59th minute from 20 yards out. After deeking a defender with her back to the goal, the Devils forward, reversed her direction and put a solid strike on the ball, that had to be snared by the MVLA keeper at eye level.

Spring 2009 Game 3 Photos

[Click here] for a slideshow

[Click here] for all photos

4/18/09 Game Recap (1-0 Win)

The Devils built on their big win over the De Anza Tidal Waves with another strong performance on Saturday, defeating the MVLA Typhoons 1-0 at the Sunnyvale Soccer Complex. The Devils played a big defensive game, thanks in part to a big goaltending performance in the second half.

The girls wasted little time dictating play, taking the control of play from the opening whistle. Courtney put a big shot from the right wing 4 minutes into the game, missing wide right.

The Devils would convert the only goal of the game 2 minutes before half-time. Marlene carried the ball up the left side, before cutting back to her right just short of the end-line. She put the ball on her right foot and sent a 35-foot crossing pass to the far side of the small box, where Audrey was waiting. Audrey collected the pass and chipped home the 5-foot shot for the 1-0 lead.

She would almost score her second goal of the game 4 minutes later, when Grace setup a scoring chance with a booming free kick from mid field. A pair of Typhoon defenders collapsed on Audrey to snuff out the chance, but not before a shot attempt missed to the left.

The back-liners rarely allowed the ball to enter their own box, playing exceptionally well in tight quarters. Ruhi played her typical solid game, snuffing out anything that came her way. Lindsay played one of her strongest games as a Devil on the back line, carrying several deep balls out of the corner to avert any Typhoon scoring chances.

Game presence was the theme of the day. On a Typhoon goal kick, Courtney read a short ball, intercepting it at the top of the box with a one-time shot that sailed just wide right. Three feet to the left and the rocket shot catches net in the top right corner.

Making her first start at center-mid, Grace played exceptionally well, commanding the play with aggressiveness to the ball. Her nose for the ball was evident late in the game when she played back and picked the pocket of two Typhoon forwards as they started to press the offense.

The Typhoons would turn up the heat midway through the second half with a series of shots that reached the goal. Audrey played huge in net, making two big saves. She knocked down a shot that was just above her head and calmly scooped up the deflection, then was forced to make a save by moving laterally on a shot that was sent across the goal mouth.

E played several positions, showing her versatility. Katrina played a strong game at outside mid, and consistently shut down her mark with nice footwork and persistency toward the ball.

Game Positives—

Through Balls: Pushing the ball up the lines for the forwards to chase was a point of focus in practice and the girls applied the technique wonderfully during the game. Courtney and Marlene were given the opportunity chase several balls that were pushed up by the mids.

Switching & Passing: Another emphasis in practice has been on positional switching and moving the ball to a teammate who has switched positions with the person carrying the ball. It was great to see this being utilized, especially in traffic.

Head Balls & Traps: While we haven’t spent as much time focusing on head balls and traps, they were both used frequently in the game. More importantly, the girls are recognizing when it makes sense to utilize these moves.

Development Areas—

Goal Side Marks: This has proven to be the one thing we need to reiterate every few practices. With the defense playing so well, the girls started to move away from playing good, fundamental soccer. Allowing your opposition to get position toward your own goal will only lead to bad things. It’s a simple technique that pays big dividends.

Quick Releases: There were several instances of players holding the ball too long, which allows the defense to collapse on the attack. We need to make sure that line-mates are moving to space to create passing opportunities, and that the player controlling the ball looks to advance the ball in traffic with quick passing.

Mid Transitions: The mids were not making the transition from offense to defense, and vice versa as diligently as we would like to see. Defensive responsibility is priority, so not getting back to help back on defense is something we want to curb as much as possible. Making transitions from defense to offense quickly is what creates scoring chances. The score was indicative of our failure to capitalize on these type of transitions.