With the onslaught of snow, sleet and freezing rain, the Sodium team is taking a little R & R time this winter. Conditions have made it impossible to GET anywhere, let alone practice. So, keep practicing those foot skills in the house girls, knocking over the Christmas tree, candles, mom's best china, little brothers and the dog. And between hot cocoa, peanut butter balls and 'Santa Claus is Coming to Town' reruns, make sure you play hours of Wii Fit and Dance, Dance Revolution to keep in tip top physical shape! Oh, and you could actually bundle up and go outside for a long walk. [if you don't mind frost bite and being pelted by razor sharp frozen particles of ice blowing in sideways that is!]
Have a Happy Holiday Season One and All!
But most importantly remember: Ho Ho Ho, GO SODIUM!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Surf Cup Recap
Wow, what a weekend! Stiff competition, good weather, great soccer!
Despite not advancing to the second round the lady warriors held their own against nationally ranked teams in San Diego.
Right out of the box Sodium faced Sereno 96 Girls White, a team we caught a glance of at Regionals. The scouting reports held true as they were a very technical team. Although field conditions were a struggle on both sides, we have to credit the defense for shutting down their extremely talented duo of forwards. These girls are ear-marked for greatness on a national level but Sodium shut them down to 3 goals. Sodium forwards and mids battled to the end with flurries of shots. Taylor Moscoe rocketed one off the far post with Emmy and Payten both there to slam shots off the Sereno keeper.
The night game proved to be the toughest test yet for Sodium as they faced the So Cal Blues - Bobak team [currently ranked 7th in the Nation]. The first half was exciting as Sodium attacked with a vengeance and had the So Cal team on their heels. Up 1-0 after the break the Blues changed their tune and displayed their 'prevent' defense. After a sloppy corner kick and an obvious jersey violation, So Cal had Sodium signing the 'Blues' with a 3-0 victory. The girls really played hard and showed what they were made of against a very worthy opponent.
On Sunday Sodium played a 7:30 night cap against the San Francisco based South Bay Force Black. After going down 1-0 in the first half you could sense the determination in the Sodium girls eyes, they would not let this game get away. Midway through the second half the Sodium forwards were relentless in their attack. MAC Kearney, double teamed on the break, was mugged in the box as she drilled the back of the net for the tie! But...it was called back because the ref said it was MAC who was the aggressor. Apparently, you aren't supposed to play that hard in Cali. The stands went nuts as the Sodium faithful voiced their displeasure. This fired the lady warriors up as they turned up the heat on the unsuspecting South Bay team Sodium Style. With just minutes left Laura Camp had a free kick from 25 yards out. She placed the ball just outside the far post where a battling Marisa Reid was there to drop a one-touch to Emmy Owens for the score! This one counted and the game was tied!! [officially!]
Sodium pounded the box again and again as time ran out and the score was deadlocked 1-1.
Summation
Sodium needs to realize a few critical points;
1) Not any team can come and play in this tournament, but you can. Do you think FC, LOSC, OR Rush or Keizer played in any tournaments this weekend? And if they did, do you think they saw near the competition? Doubtful.
2) It's about RESPECT. You can't tell me you didn't earn the respect of each of those teams. You KNOW they woke up Monday morning feeling like they had been through a war this weekend. And even though they are used to playing a technical game, blowing other teams away and scoring 6, 7 or 10 goals, we held them to 3 or less.
3) What you take away from a tournament like this you can use to elevate your play far beyond any competition you'll see locally.
4) Keep your heads up Sodium, be proud. You took a risk, you rose up and went to war against devastating odds, and held your own. You accomplished great things and now you can take what you learned and use it against opponents who are no where near the level at which you played.
Special Thanks
I would like to thank the following guest players for riding with the lady warriors into battle this weekend. Not only have you earned our respect, but our friendship as well.
Sahalie - Eugene Magic
Delaney - OR Rush
Crystal - LOSC Extreme
Cailin - THUSC Mercury
You will play with and against each other for many years to come ladies. This is what it's all about, friendship, building memories and looking at how far you've come. So live long, laugh hard and kick butt!
Thanks.
GO SODIUM!
Despite not advancing to the second round the lady warriors held their own against nationally ranked teams in San Diego.
Right out of the box Sodium faced Sereno 96 Girls White, a team we caught a glance of at Regionals. The scouting reports held true as they were a very technical team. Although field conditions were a struggle on both sides, we have to credit the defense for shutting down their extremely talented duo of forwards. These girls are ear-marked for greatness on a national level but Sodium shut them down to 3 goals. Sodium forwards and mids battled to the end with flurries of shots. Taylor Moscoe rocketed one off the far post with Emmy and Payten both there to slam shots off the Sereno keeper.
The night game proved to be the toughest test yet for Sodium as they faced the So Cal Blues - Bobak team [currently ranked 7th in the Nation]. The first half was exciting as Sodium attacked with a vengeance and had the So Cal team on their heels. Up 1-0 after the break the Blues changed their tune and displayed their 'prevent' defense. After a sloppy corner kick and an obvious jersey violation, So Cal had Sodium signing the 'Blues' with a 3-0 victory. The girls really played hard and showed what they were made of against a very worthy opponent.
On Sunday Sodium played a 7:30 night cap against the San Francisco based South Bay Force Black. After going down 1-0 in the first half you could sense the determination in the Sodium girls eyes, they would not let this game get away. Midway through the second half the Sodium forwards were relentless in their attack. MAC Kearney, double teamed on the break, was mugged in the box as she drilled the back of the net for the tie! But...it was called back because the ref said it was MAC who was the aggressor. Apparently, you aren't supposed to play that hard in Cali. The stands went nuts as the Sodium faithful voiced their displeasure. This fired the lady warriors up as they turned up the heat on the unsuspecting South Bay team Sodium Style. With just minutes left Laura Camp had a free kick from 25 yards out. She placed the ball just outside the far post where a battling Marisa Reid was there to drop a one-touch to Emmy Owens for the score! This one counted and the game was tied!! [officially!]
Sodium pounded the box again and again as time ran out and the score was deadlocked 1-1.
Summation
Sodium needs to realize a few critical points;
1) Not any team can come and play in this tournament, but you can. Do you think FC, LOSC, OR Rush or Keizer played in any tournaments this weekend? And if they did, do you think they saw near the competition? Doubtful.
2) It's about RESPECT. You can't tell me you didn't earn the respect of each of those teams. You KNOW they woke up Monday morning feeling like they had been through a war this weekend. And even though they are used to playing a technical game, blowing other teams away and scoring 6, 7 or 10 goals, we held them to 3 or less.
3) What you take away from a tournament like this you can use to elevate your play far beyond any competition you'll see locally.
4) Keep your heads up Sodium, be proud. You took a risk, you rose up and went to war against devastating odds, and held your own. You accomplished great things and now you can take what you learned and use it against opponents who are no where near the level at which you played.
Special Thanks
I would like to thank the following guest players for riding with the lady warriors into battle this weekend. Not only have you earned our respect, but our friendship as well.
Sahalie - Eugene Magic
Delaney - OR Rush
Crystal - LOSC Extreme
Cailin - THUSC Mercury
You will play with and against each other for many years to come ladies. This is what it's all about, friendship, building memories and looking at how far you've come. So live long, laugh hard and kick butt!
Thanks.
GO SODIUM!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Surf Cup Scouting Report
OK Sodium, time to get cranked up for San Diego!
Style
The style of play down south is much different than we play. Some of you will remember Regionals and the Slammers. The ref's will call any contact of any kind. Technical play is huge and perfect passing and communication is a must. Obviously a big adjustment for the Bailey & Beth as they love to Blow up the opponent.
So Cal Blues
Play much like the Slammers. Strive to get on the board early and often. These guys will push to win EVERY ball. Awesome body positioning and they always 'crash the goal.' All their forwards can shoot with both feet, head, whatever! They had a few losses this season so they are beatable.
Sereno 96
Very similar play to So Cal Blues but throw in the fact they play a very technical game, and you have Sereno.
South Bay Force Black
No word on these guys yet, still researching.
Summary
We must bring our "A" game. Any team can be beat on any given day. The keys are how hard you prepare, how much you want it and to not let up for a second. All the the reports say that the key is to play harder the second half, if you let up for just a minute you will be down by 3 goals and scratching your head. This will be our biggest challenge yet as the 2008-2009 Sodium team. Are we ready? Will be prepared for this challenge? Will every player give 100%?
I always bet on BLACK......
GO SODIUM!
Style
The style of play down south is much different than we play. Some of you will remember Regionals and the Slammers. The ref's will call any contact of any kind. Technical play is huge and perfect passing and communication is a must. Obviously a big adjustment for the Bailey & Beth as they love to Blow up the opponent.
So Cal Blues
Play much like the Slammers. Strive to get on the board early and often. These guys will push to win EVERY ball. Awesome body positioning and they always 'crash the goal.' All their forwards can shoot with both feet, head, whatever! They had a few losses this season so they are beatable.
Sereno 96
Very similar play to So Cal Blues but throw in the fact they play a very technical game, and you have Sereno.
South Bay Force Black
No word on these guys yet, still researching.
Summary
We must bring our "A" game. Any team can be beat on any given day. The keys are how hard you prepare, how much you want it and to not let up for a second. All the the reports say that the key is to play harder the second half, if you let up for just a minute you will be down by 3 goals and scratching your head. This will be our biggest challenge yet as the 2008-2009 Sodium team. Are we ready? Will be prepared for this challenge? Will every player give 100%?
I always bet on BLACK......
GO SODIUM!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Some interesting thoughts...
As I watched the game Saturday I was repeatedly asking myself; "What's going on? How come we're not attacking the ball? Where is our controlled ball movement? How come we're not getting in front of the ball when their player is winding up to let it fly?"
Yes, they have a very good keeper. Yes, we have had better officiating. Yes, their style of play challenges our controlled style. But, given all that, we were still standing around, watching the other team kick the long-ball, not getting in front of their players, not winning any 50/50's, not hustling to the ball.
Was there some sort of lack of communication? Did we not realize that this was the Semi-Finals? Was everyone thinking about the upcoming basketball or indoor season and not the task at hand? I know a couple defensive players who were in tears after the game. [and the ride home, and at home] They had given it there all, 100% to keep the forwards in check all game. Physical, body-on-body, elbows knees, cleats, you name it. And after the game when some of their teammates were going; "oooh, look at the pretty metals, can we wear them? These are cool." It was just too much for them to handle. Third place, lady warriors. THIRD PLACE. These aren't medallions to be worn proudly. To your defensive players these are reminders of a game lost. A reminder of us resorting to boot-ball instead of our normal controlled game. A reminder of teammates not 'wanting it' bad enough to give 100%. A reminder that we, Sodium, should have been playing Sunday in the Finals, the Championship game. Not something a Sodium player wears proudly.
Tom said after the game that it looked like 3/4 of the team just didn't care. Unfortunately, your loyal fans agree. The other 1/4 of the team agrees. Can you spot the players who played hard, made the sacrifices, gave it their best shots? What about those who didn't? Can you recall not running as hard as you could have? Not being first to the ball? Not making a shot, winning a 50/50 or stopping the ball? We on sidelines can. Those on the bench can. Your coach can. Think about it. When you play on a team of this caliber, with this talent, everyone can see who is giving 100% and who is not. It is obvious and stands out. So don't ever think you can coast through a practice or a game. We all know.
You are probably saying;"He wasn't out on the field, he doesn't know what it was like." Correct, I wasn't. But yes, I do know what it's like. The reason I am saying this is because I have seen you all play together and do great things. I know what you are capable of if you work together. I have seen you accomplish the impossible. That is why I can point out these things. I know what is in you and what you are capable of. And when we on the sidelines watch games like we did Saturday, it makes us scratch our heads and wonder; "What happened?"
Sodium the harsh reality is this, if we play the way we did against Eugene and Keizer in the Surf Cup, it's going to be a short, embarrassing, deflating trip. I have the scouting reports of our opposition in the Surf Cup and they are TOUGH!
We have what it takes to compete. We have the talent to win, to win a lot! It's come down to dedication. To your teammates, to your coach, to your sport. You are players who know how to win. That is evident by the number of State Championships. You are the team that everyone either wants to play for, or beat. You are the team that threatens everyone in the league because you can defeat any one of them if everyone gives 100%. Pretty simple if you think about.
We need to keep focused on something Tom said right at the beginning of the season; "Everything we do, this moment on, is to prepare us for State Cup." So lady warriors I challenge you to think about that when you walk off the field. Did you do something on the field today that prepared you to win at State Cup? Did you get a little better today? Did you give 100%? Did you learn a new move or perfect a cut-off angle? Did you sprint 10 feet past the end-line? Did you do extra crunches or give 100% in every drill? Did you give just one more?
Indoor season starts Monday. Let's play hard, score a load of goals and have a ton of fun. Practices & scrimmages prior to Surf Cup need 100% of your focus and effort. My next post will be a scouting report from Bailey & Beth on the teams we play.
GO SODIUM!
Yes, they have a very good keeper. Yes, we have had better officiating. Yes, their style of play challenges our controlled style. But, given all that, we were still standing around, watching the other team kick the long-ball, not getting in front of their players, not winning any 50/50's, not hustling to the ball.
Was there some sort of lack of communication? Did we not realize that this was the Semi-Finals? Was everyone thinking about the upcoming basketball or indoor season and not the task at hand? I know a couple defensive players who were in tears after the game. [and the ride home, and at home] They had given it there all, 100% to keep the forwards in check all game. Physical, body-on-body, elbows knees, cleats, you name it. And after the game when some of their teammates were going; "oooh, look at the pretty metals, can we wear them? These are cool." It was just too much for them to handle. Third place, lady warriors. THIRD PLACE. These aren't medallions to be worn proudly. To your defensive players these are reminders of a game lost. A reminder of us resorting to boot-ball instead of our normal controlled game. A reminder of teammates not 'wanting it' bad enough to give 100%. A reminder that we, Sodium, should have been playing Sunday in the Finals, the Championship game. Not something a Sodium player wears proudly.
Tom said after the game that it looked like 3/4 of the team just didn't care. Unfortunately, your loyal fans agree. The other 1/4 of the team agrees. Can you spot the players who played hard, made the sacrifices, gave it their best shots? What about those who didn't? Can you recall not running as hard as you could have? Not being first to the ball? Not making a shot, winning a 50/50 or stopping the ball? We on sidelines can. Those on the bench can. Your coach can. Think about it. When you play on a team of this caliber, with this talent, everyone can see who is giving 100% and who is not. It is obvious and stands out. So don't ever think you can coast through a practice or a game. We all know.
You are probably saying;"He wasn't out on the field, he doesn't know what it was like." Correct, I wasn't. But yes, I do know what it's like. The reason I am saying this is because I have seen you all play together and do great things. I know what you are capable of if you work together. I have seen you accomplish the impossible. That is why I can point out these things. I know what is in you and what you are capable of. And when we on the sidelines watch games like we did Saturday, it makes us scratch our heads and wonder; "What happened?"
Sodium the harsh reality is this, if we play the way we did against Eugene and Keizer in the Surf Cup, it's going to be a short, embarrassing, deflating trip. I have the scouting reports of our opposition in the Surf Cup and they are TOUGH!
We have what it takes to compete. We have the talent to win, to win a lot! It's come down to dedication. To your teammates, to your coach, to your sport. You are players who know how to win. That is evident by the number of State Championships. You are the team that everyone either wants to play for, or beat. You are the team that threatens everyone in the league because you can defeat any one of them if everyone gives 100%. Pretty simple if you think about.
We need to keep focused on something Tom said right at the beginning of the season; "Everything we do, this moment on, is to prepare us for State Cup." So lady warriors I challenge you to think about that when you walk off the field. Did you do something on the field today that prepared you to win at State Cup? Did you get a little better today? Did you give 100%? Did you learn a new move or perfect a cut-off angle? Did you sprint 10 feet past the end-line? Did you do extra crunches or give 100% in every drill? Did you give just one more?
Indoor season starts Monday. Let's play hard, score a load of goals and have a ton of fun. Practices & scrimmages prior to Surf Cup need 100% of your focus and effort. My next post will be a scouting report from Bailey & Beth on the teams we play.
GO SODIUM!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Sodium upset in Semi's
Team Sodium was upset 1-0 in the semifinal match of The Oregon Premier League Tournament. Sodium never got in sync as they mirrored the oppositions "Bootball" style of play and allowed the underdogs a first half score. Even though Sodium seemed flat they out-shot the opposing team but with poor execution and officiating could never get back in the game.
[LOSC defeated Keizer in final 3-0]
Next Up:
11/17/08 - Indoor vs PCU White @ 5:40pm - Soccerplex
11/22/08 - Scrimmage @ 4:30pm - REC #1
11/23/08 - Scrimmage @ 12:30pm - REC#1
11/27/08 - Off to San Diego for Surf Cup!
The Sodium faithful yell: GO SODIUM!
[LOSC defeated Keizer in final 3-0]
Next Up:
11/17/08 - Indoor vs PCU White @ 5:40pm - Soccerplex
11/22/08 - Scrimmage @ 4:30pm - REC #1
11/23/08 - Scrimmage @ 12:30pm - REC#1
11/27/08 - Off to San Diego for Surf Cup!
The Sodium faithful yell: GO SODIUM!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Response to Comments
Due to a couple of comments I received from the last post, I wanted to clear the air about some of the details.
The scenario:
My daughter and I saw the Keizer vs FC game.
In that game, Keizer played sloppy. I know they played sloppy because I have seen them play a whole lot better in the past as I have been watching them since U11. They are a good and respected team.
Bootball. This is when you kick the longball and let the forwards or mids chase it down and beat the opposing defense. Again, I have watched Keizer play since U11 and this is the style of play they use because it fits their personnel very well.
Physical. This team has always played very physical and if a team can't match up, they will run all over them, all day long.
Big. The Keizer team is one of the biggest teams we face. "Corn Fed" is not a negative term. It was a reference coined by a sports announcer describing the Nebraska Corn Huskers football team. A powerhouse in the Big 12 at that time. It was because they were big, fast and physical. If you called a 315 lb offensive lineman 'Corn Fed', he would take it as a badge of honor. It does not mean "fat" like the commenter said. It is not a negative slur.
During the game the coach was all over his team. Yelling at them. He yelled at the FC players too, and the refs. I wouldn't have noticed but I overheard some of the people in the stands talking about it so I paid attention and they were right, he was yelling a lot. Not very classy for a coach in my opinion. I do not condemn yelling, I do it myself. And, done in a positive manner, it can help to motivate and instruct.
I having been a player and coach for many years and do not believe I have a lot to learn about youth in America. Ask any of the kids I've coached in years past or any of the current or past Sodium players. They will verify that I am fare, honest, competitive and motivational. I think I possess a lot of good qualities to offer America's youth.
I do not hide behind the 'Anonymous said..' label when I post. Nor do my children do this. We stand behind our opinions, and when proven wrong by facts, admit to our mistake, learn from it and move forward.
So, Mr. or Mrs. Anonymous commenter, you can see my comments were neither rude or inaccurate. I have respect for the Keizer team, not contempt.
Also, I will never be a mouthpiece for any team but Sodium. I am dedicated to them, I stand for and beside them, and I will point out the oppositions weaknesses all day long if it will benefit Sodium in any way.
I like to keep this blog lighthearted and humorous until someone posts a comment that was as incorrect as the one you posted. Then, I feel compelled to respond up front instead of in the comment section.
Lastly, if you’re going to comment on things you know nothing about, please do it on another blog. Have a nice day.
If you want to discuss this further, I will be standing on the sidelines Saturday.
All the parents will be yelling: GO SODIUM!
The scenario:
My daughter and I saw the Keizer vs FC game.
In that game, Keizer played sloppy. I know they played sloppy because I have seen them play a whole lot better in the past as I have been watching them since U11. They are a good and respected team.
Bootball. This is when you kick the longball and let the forwards or mids chase it down and beat the opposing defense. Again, I have watched Keizer play since U11 and this is the style of play they use because it fits their personnel very well.
Physical. This team has always played very physical and if a team can't match up, they will run all over them, all day long.
Big. The Keizer team is one of the biggest teams we face. "Corn Fed" is not a negative term. It was a reference coined by a sports announcer describing the Nebraska Corn Huskers football team. A powerhouse in the Big 12 at that time. It was because they were big, fast and physical. If you called a 315 lb offensive lineman 'Corn Fed', he would take it as a badge of honor. It does not mean "fat" like the commenter said. It is not a negative slur.
During the game the coach was all over his team. Yelling at them. He yelled at the FC players too, and the refs. I wouldn't have noticed but I overheard some of the people in the stands talking about it so I paid attention and they were right, he was yelling a lot. Not very classy for a coach in my opinion. I do not condemn yelling, I do it myself. And, done in a positive manner, it can help to motivate and instruct.
I having been a player and coach for many years and do not believe I have a lot to learn about youth in America. Ask any of the kids I've coached in years past or any of the current or past Sodium players. They will verify that I am fare, honest, competitive and motivational. I think I possess a lot of good qualities to offer America's youth.
I do not hide behind the 'Anonymous said..' label when I post. Nor do my children do this. We stand behind our opinions, and when proven wrong by facts, admit to our mistake, learn from it and move forward.
So, Mr. or Mrs. Anonymous commenter, you can see my comments were neither rude or inaccurate. I have respect for the Keizer team, not contempt.
Also, I will never be a mouthpiece for any team but Sodium. I am dedicated to them, I stand for and beside them, and I will point out the oppositions weaknesses all day long if it will benefit Sodium in any way.
I like to keep this blog lighthearted and humorous until someone posts a comment that was as incorrect as the one you posted. Then, I feel compelled to respond up front instead of in the comment section.
Lastly, if you’re going to comment on things you know nothing about, please do it on another blog. Have a nice day.
If you want to discuss this further, I will be standing on the sidelines Saturday.
All the parents will be yelling: GO SODIUM!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Keizer Hotshots notes
Taylor and I scouted the Keizer team against FC Portland last weekend. A few things come to mind after viewing the game; Sloppy, bootball, physical, big. Let's look as these individually.
What to take from this;
We are going to have to match then physically to compete. I don't think we will have a problem if we can toughen up a little and get away from the 'Praying Mantis'. Defense, be on the lookout for cheap-shots after you clear the ball. If it happens, bring it to their attention and let the officials make the call. If it continues, well, as Tom says; "It isn't a foul unless the whistle blows". I knew I liked Tom from the start!
If we can play our controlled, calculated game we should have no problem finding the net over and over. We can NOT drop to their level of play. If we do that we will lose. Don't get sucked into a pushing match with them. Don't fall back into a REC style bootball game. Stay focused on OUR game and the task at hand. We have beat this team many times and if we get a couple of goals early we need to keep pushing and fighting until we score several more! Never let them think they can play with us. If we get complacent or relaxed they will score. Period. We have to play the entire 60 minutes as aggressive and controlled as we know how. SODIUM STYLE baby. The 'In Your Face' 'Rough and Tumble' 'Never Say Die' style that has brought us where we are today, a Championship caliber team.
Work hard this week lady warriors. When we get passed Keizer we will face LOSC for the Championship game the next day. This weekend will prove what we're made of. 120 minutes of war stands between us and taking home the First Place Trophy in the Oregon Premier League Tournament.
Who's going to be the hero? Who will emerge to lead this team to victory? The E*A*T defense? The cold and calculated mid-field? The 'Score at all cost' forwards? Who is willing to sacrifice? Who will work the hardest and give her all to be the best? You have a chance to make history lady warriors, to be the first to win this tournament. Are you Bad enough? Are you BACK in BLACK?
You are.............. SODIUM
From under the umbrella's the crowd roars: GO SODIUM!
- Sloppy - they never seemed to play together. I witnessed on only a couple occasions where they were able to put 2 or 3 passes together.
- Bootball - typical Keizer style. That is how they scored. Confusion at mid-field, big boot, forward ran it down and scored because keeper made a bad judgment call and the ball got passed her and barely rolled in.
- Physical - more than normal. They played dirty here as well. The defender would clear the ball and while the ref would watch it, the forward would flatten the defender from behind. Tons of pushing, elbows and going out their way to slam into the FC players.
- Big - corn fed Keizer gals, what else can I say.
What to take from this;
We are going to have to match then physically to compete. I don't think we will have a problem if we can toughen up a little and get away from the 'Praying Mantis'. Defense, be on the lookout for cheap-shots after you clear the ball. If it happens, bring it to their attention and let the officials make the call. If it continues, well, as Tom says; "It isn't a foul unless the whistle blows". I knew I liked Tom from the start!
If we can play our controlled, calculated game we should have no problem finding the net over and over. We can NOT drop to their level of play. If we do that we will lose. Don't get sucked into a pushing match with them. Don't fall back into a REC style bootball game. Stay focused on OUR game and the task at hand. We have beat this team many times and if we get a couple of goals early we need to keep pushing and fighting until we score several more! Never let them think they can play with us. If we get complacent or relaxed they will score. Period. We have to play the entire 60 minutes as aggressive and controlled as we know how. SODIUM STYLE baby. The 'In Your Face' 'Rough and Tumble' 'Never Say Die' style that has brought us where we are today, a Championship caliber team.
Work hard this week lady warriors. When we get passed Keizer we will face LOSC for the Championship game the next day. This weekend will prove what we're made of. 120 minutes of war stands between us and taking home the First Place Trophy in the Oregon Premier League Tournament.
Who's going to be the hero? Who will emerge to lead this team to victory? The E*A*T defense? The cold and calculated mid-field? The 'Score at all cost' forwards? Who is willing to sacrifice? Who will work the hardest and give her all to be the best? You have a chance to make history lady warriors, to be the first to win this tournament. Are you Bad enough? Are you BACK in BLACK?
You are.............. SODIUM
From under the umbrella's the crowd roars: GO SODIUM!
Monday, November 10, 2008
First Weekend of OPL
The lady warriors completed the first weekend of the OPL with 2 shutouts!
vs Bridlemile Mercury Black
Despite the pouring down rain, the lady warriors came out fired up and ready to dominate! From the opening whistle Sodium had control and never looked back. The scoring barrage started off with Peyton Sonnen's assist to a breaking Emmy Owens for the opening goal! After a handball in the 18-yard box Marisa Reid popped in the PK for a 2-0 lead. Next up came a 20-yard rocket from the left side by Lexi Frey to give Sodium a 3-0 lead. Just before half Emmy was driving deep down the right side when she found Marisa streaking to goal! 4-0 Sodium lead at half! Second half started off as the first had ended. Lexi found Emmy in the box for number 5, then Lexi took it herself on a long break-a-way for number 6! The night-cap was provided by Katherine Kramer off a Hannah Lautenbach rip that deflected off the keeper. Sodium posted a 7-0 win! Hats off to the Sodium mid-fielders who totally controlled the ball and tempo all game.
vs EMFC Magic
The game was held at Smith Elementary School, a closed school that time had forgot. In the mud the Sodium squad seemed about a half step behind the Magic all game. Couldn't have anything to do with the multiple sleep-overs the night before, could it? hmmm. Anyway, the play was back-and-forth all game until, with only about 2 minutes left, Lexi Frey placed a perfect corner kick to the front of the net where Hannah Lautenbach rocketed it in for the 1-0 win!
OPL Results
Pool A - Winner - Sodium with 18 pts
Pool B - Winner - LOSC Extreme with 19 pts
Pool C - Winner - Keizer Hotshots with 17 pts
Next up; OPL Championship Bracket
Saturday 11/15/08 Noon @ PCC
Semi #1 - LOSC Extreme vs EMFC Magic @ PCC #1
Semi #2 - THUSC Sodium vs Keizer Hotshots @ PCC #2
Sunday 11/16/08 Noon @ REC #1
Championship Game
Winner of Semi #1 vs Winner of Semi #2
vs Bridlemile Mercury Black
Despite the pouring down rain, the lady warriors came out fired up and ready to dominate! From the opening whistle Sodium had control and never looked back. The scoring barrage started off with Peyton Sonnen's assist to a breaking Emmy Owens for the opening goal! After a handball in the 18-yard box Marisa Reid popped in the PK for a 2-0 lead. Next up came a 20-yard rocket from the left side by Lexi Frey to give Sodium a 3-0 lead. Just before half Emmy was driving deep down the right side when she found Marisa streaking to goal! 4-0 Sodium lead at half! Second half started off as the first had ended. Lexi found Emmy in the box for number 5, then Lexi took it herself on a long break-a-way for number 6! The night-cap was provided by Katherine Kramer off a Hannah Lautenbach rip that deflected off the keeper. Sodium posted a 7-0 win! Hats off to the Sodium mid-fielders who totally controlled the ball and tempo all game.
vs EMFC Magic
The game was held at Smith Elementary School, a closed school that time had forgot. In the mud the Sodium squad seemed about a half step behind the Magic all game. Couldn't have anything to do with the multiple sleep-overs the night before, could it? hmmm. Anyway, the play was back-and-forth all game until, with only about 2 minutes left, Lexi Frey placed a perfect corner kick to the front of the net where Hannah Lautenbach rocketed it in for the 1-0 win!
OPL Results
Pool A - Winner - Sodium with 18 pts
Pool B - Winner - LOSC Extreme with 19 pts
Pool C - Winner - Keizer Hotshots with 17 pts
Next up; OPL Championship Bracket
Saturday 11/15/08 Noon @ PCC
Semi #1 - LOSC Extreme vs EMFC Magic @ PCC #1
Semi #2 - THUSC Sodium vs Keizer Hotshots @ PCC #2
Sunday 11/16/08 Noon @ REC #1
Championship Game
Winner of Semi #1 vs Winner of Semi #2
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Bridlemile / Sodium Comparison
THUSC Sodium
Premeir Gold Division
Fall League - 2nd place
Point Total - 30
Goals For - 24
Goals Against - 10
Overall Record - 9-2-3
Bridlemile Mercury Black
Division 1
Fall League - 5th place
Point Total - 18
Goals For - 15
Goals Against - 14
Overall Record - 5-6-3
See you all at the field.
GO SODIUM!
Premeir Gold Division
Fall League - 2nd place
Point Total - 30
Goals For - 24
Goals Against - 10
Overall Record - 9-2-3
Bridlemile Mercury Black
Division 1
Fall League - 5th place
Point Total - 18
Goals For - 15
Goals Against - 14
Overall Record - 5-6-3
See you all at the field.
GO SODIUM!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Thoughts on OPL
I was thumbing through my playlists on my iPod when I came across a song that, when I listened to it, I couldn't help but relate it to Sodium. The song was by Queen and titled "I want it all".
It chronicles the bands journey to the top of the charts. A journey of ups & downs, of break ups and the addition of new members. Once it was all ironed out, they battled to the top. "I want it all" is dedicated to the attitude that got them there. The belief that they are the best. You can see the similarities between Queen and Sodium. The ups & downs, the addition of news members, the rise to the top. The chorus says; "I want it all...and I want it now!" Now is the time Sodium. With OPL starting next weekend the time is now to set a precedent. We face two teams we have beaten in the past in the first round. Do not overlook these teams. We need to go out and use these games to gain momentum. There is no doubt in my mind that we couldn't come away with a pair of dominating wins. 4, 5, 6 to nothing. Remember last year when I saw the bumper sticker with the soccer ball that said; "Trample the weak, hurdle the dead". It's our turn to trample the weak. The only thing that is standing in our way Sodium is the 'Killer Instinct' to put your cleat on the opposing teams throat. To not let up until the final whistle. To score a goal and then see how fast you can score the next one. Never let up. Our defense is playing with that attitude. It was evident in the fall league when they allowed the fewest goals of any team. They aren't afraid to plant a hard check and take the opposing forward down. Why? Because they know their teammates have their back. To form the wall if a free kick is called. And for Camille to clear the shot. Remember before the State Championship game when each of you set goals for the game? To play physical, to score, to win the 50/50's, to not get beat to the ball. Ask Marisa Reid, she'll tell you. You should be setting the same goals before every game. I know you are playing against some of your friends, but remember this, when we take the field we take it as a team. We take the field as one with a focused goal in mind, to play the best we can. To give 100% from start to finish. Regardless of obstacles, if you all play to your best abilities, you will dominate. "If it is to be, it's up to me"
I would like you to think about what John McCain said in his concession speech; "Americans never quit. We never surrender. We never hide from history. We make history."
Sodium, you have a chance to make history this season. By never quiting, never giving up you have the chance to prove that you are something special. This OPL tournament is just the beginning, a chance to go out and prove how hard you've worked, how much better shape you are in and how far you've come as a team.
You are a dominating force to be reckoned with. You are Sodium.
*****Another Schedule Change*****
11/8/08 vs Bridlemile Mercury Black - REC #4 @ noon
11/9/08 vs Eugene Metro Magic - Smith Elem. @ 11:00AM
GO SODIUM!
It chronicles the bands journey to the top of the charts. A journey of ups & downs, of break ups and the addition of new members. Once it was all ironed out, they battled to the top. "I want it all" is dedicated to the attitude that got them there. The belief that they are the best. You can see the similarities between Queen and Sodium. The ups & downs, the addition of news members, the rise to the top. The chorus says; "I want it all...and I want it now!" Now is the time Sodium. With OPL starting next weekend the time is now to set a precedent. We face two teams we have beaten in the past in the first round. Do not overlook these teams. We need to go out and use these games to gain momentum. There is no doubt in my mind that we couldn't come away with a pair of dominating wins. 4, 5, 6 to nothing. Remember last year when I saw the bumper sticker with the soccer ball that said; "Trample the weak, hurdle the dead". It's our turn to trample the weak. The only thing that is standing in our way Sodium is the 'Killer Instinct' to put your cleat on the opposing teams throat. To not let up until the final whistle. To score a goal and then see how fast you can score the next one. Never let up. Our defense is playing with that attitude. It was evident in the fall league when they allowed the fewest goals of any team. They aren't afraid to plant a hard check and take the opposing forward down. Why? Because they know their teammates have their back. To form the wall if a free kick is called. And for Camille to clear the shot. Remember before the State Championship game when each of you set goals for the game? To play physical, to score, to win the 50/50's, to not get beat to the ball. Ask Marisa Reid, she'll tell you. You should be setting the same goals before every game. I know you are playing against some of your friends, but remember this, when we take the field we take it as a team. We take the field as one with a focused goal in mind, to play the best we can. To give 100% from start to finish. Regardless of obstacles, if you all play to your best abilities, you will dominate. "If it is to be, it's up to me"
I would like you to think about what John McCain said in his concession speech; "Americans never quit. We never surrender. We never hide from history. We make history."
Sodium, you have a chance to make history this season. By never quiting, never giving up you have the chance to prove that you are something special. This OPL tournament is just the beginning, a chance to go out and prove how hard you've worked, how much better shape you are in and how far you've come as a team.
You are a dominating force to be reckoned with. You are Sodium.
*****Another Schedule Change*****
11/8/08 vs Bridlemile Mercury Black - REC #4 @ noon
11/9/08 vs Eugene Metro Magic - Smith Elem. @ 11:00AM
GO SODIUM!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Other league play action & OPL Info
Sodium had a bye this weekend but here are the results;
GAMES
Saturday
EMFC 95 Magic 2 vs OR Rush 3
Keizer Hotshots 1 vs ESUFC Arsenal 1
Sunday
LOSC Extreme 5 vs WSM Strikers 0
STANDINGS
#1 - OR Rush 95G Nike - 37 pts
#2 - THUSC Sodium - 30 pts
#3 - LOSC Extreme - 28 pts
#4 - FC Portland Platinum - 22 pts
#5 - Keizer Hotshots - 19 pts
#6 - ESUFC Arsenal - 15 pts
#7 - EMFC 95 Magic - 10 pts
#8 - WSM Strikers - 1 pt
Next Up:
Oregon Cup
Saturday - 11/8/08 @ 12 pm vs WSM Strikers - REC #4
Sunday - 11/9/08 @ 12:30 pm vs Eugene Magic - Smith Elementary
Semi Finals
Saturday 11/15/08 @ 12 pm - PC Rock Creek
GAMES
Saturday
EMFC 95 Magic 2 vs OR Rush 3
Keizer Hotshots 1 vs ESUFC Arsenal 1
Sunday
LOSC Extreme 5 vs WSM Strikers 0
STANDINGS
#1 - OR Rush 95G Nike - 37 pts
#2 - THUSC Sodium - 30 pts
#3 - LOSC Extreme - 28 pts
#4 - FC Portland Platinum - 22 pts
#5 - Keizer Hotshots - 19 pts
#6 - ESUFC Arsenal - 15 pts
#7 - EMFC 95 Magic - 10 pts
#8 - WSM Strikers - 1 pt
Next Up:
Oregon Cup
Saturday - 11/8/08 @ 12 pm vs WSM Strikers - REC #4
Sunday - 11/9/08 @ 12:30 pm vs Eugene Magic - Smith Elementary
Semi Finals
Saturday 11/15/08 @ 12 pm - PC Rock Creek
Championship Game
Sunday 11/16/08 @ 12 pm - REC #1
Monday, October 27, 2008
Kudos to Sodium Defense
After taking a closer look at the standing [and reading a couple emails, thanks!] I noticed an interesting fact; Sodium has allowed fewer goals than any other team in the Premier Gold Division. As a matter of fact, that statement holds true if you take a look at last year too. [There was a Washington team with a few less but they weren't in our bracket]
So, with that said, I have to congratulate Taylor Coon, Erika Cook, Lexi Frey and "Stone Cold" Camille Fairbairn for their exceptional play and outstanding defense this fall. I must also add, they couldn't have shined so bright without the mid-fielders playing phenomenally.
I have to include the the series of pictures below to illustrate what happens when an opposing forward gets a little to close to the goal. Editors note: No whistle on this play.
Taylor and Camille double-team Hadley.
"Oh no you don't!" Here, have
an elbow.
'Crunch time' in front of the net!
Another victim of the feared
and fearless E*A*T defense!
So, with that said, I have to congratulate Taylor Coon, Erika Cook, Lexi Frey and "Stone Cold" Camille Fairbairn for their exceptional play and outstanding defense this fall. I must also add, they couldn't have shined so bright without the mid-fielders playing phenomenally.
I have to include the the series of pictures below to illustrate what happens when an opposing forward gets a little to close to the goal. Editors note: No whistle on this play.
Taylor and Camille double-team Hadley.
"Oh no you don't!" Here, have
an elbow.
'Crunch time' in front of the net!
Another victim of the feared
and fearless E*A*T defense!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Sodium secures 2nd place by beating FC...again
The Sodium girls hit the field Saturday with confidence, determination and attitude against neighborhood rivals FC Portland Platinum. For the second time in fall league play the lady warriors pounded a much improved FC club 3-0. Platinum, just coming off an impressive win over LOSC, was just no match for the Sodium firepower.
Katherine Kramer started things off with a first half rocket off the head of a FC defender! First half ended 1-0 with Sodiums relentless pressure beginning to wear the Platinum team down. The second half was domination as the lady warriors had settled into a confident Sodium Style of play that has proved to the downfall of many a team. After a hand ball in the box, MAC Kearney [a member of the feared 180's!] lined up the PK, eyed the keeper as if to plainly say; 'Never' and rocketed the shot passed her for a Sodium 2-0 lead! The FC girls were just no match late in the game as the Sodium conditioning took over. Shot after shot. The pressure proving to be too much to handle. Later in the half, as if to emphasize an earlier blog post about Sodium needing to boost their killer instinct, Emmy Owens would not be denied as she split the defense in route to ripping the back of the net for a 3-0 Sodium win and securing the second place spot in the league bracket.
I know I don't often get a chance to mention everyone in the blog and for those who have gotten little 'ink' I apologize. I am going to try to get photos of everyone posted [with captions] of the last 3 games over the period between now and OPL. Keep looking, your bound to see yourself!
Great job ladies. You had a great fall league and we are all very proud of you!
With heads held high, the loyal Sodium fans yell: GO SODIUM!
Katherine Kramer started things off with a first half rocket off the head of a FC defender! First half ended 1-0 with Sodiums relentless pressure beginning to wear the Platinum team down. The second half was domination as the lady warriors had settled into a confident Sodium Style of play that has proved to the downfall of many a team. After a hand ball in the box, MAC Kearney [a member of the feared 180's!] lined up the PK, eyed the keeper as if to plainly say; 'Never' and rocketed the shot passed her for a Sodium 2-0 lead! The FC girls were just no match late in the game as the Sodium conditioning took over. Shot after shot. The pressure proving to be too much to handle. Later in the half, as if to emphasize an earlier blog post about Sodium needing to boost their killer instinct, Emmy Owens would not be denied as she split the defense in route to ripping the back of the net for a 3-0 Sodium win and securing the second place spot in the league bracket.
I know I don't often get a chance to mention everyone in the blog and for those who have gotten little 'ink' I apologize. I am going to try to get photos of everyone posted [with captions] of the last 3 games over the period between now and OPL. Keep looking, your bound to see yourself!
Great job ladies. You had a great fall league and we are all very proud of you!
With heads held high, the loyal Sodium fans yell: GO SODIUM!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
FC Portland notes
As I listening to my iPod this morning, Back In Black came on and I realized that this was going to be one of the very few games I am going to miss this season. :(
I wanted to leave you guys with some insight. Given this is our last fall league game it shouldn't diminish its importance. Rush has 2 games left and we can't catch them for first place. LOSC has 1 game left. If we both win, we will retain second spot. FC is in 4th place with no chance for first but, with 2 games left, could overtake LOSC for third. That scenario would mean they would have to beat Sodium. Not happening the way we are playing.
Let's take a look back. The 2007 fall league found Sodium in 5th place out of 8 with 17 total points. In 2006 Sodium finished 7th out of 8 and had 15 points. We have a chance this year to almost double the point total of the last 2 years and finish a very strong second place. You've come a long way in 2 years lady warriors, something to be proud of.
So, that brings me to today. A match against your friends and arch rivals. Last time we met it was a 3-0 Sodium victory. Since then FC has beaten LOSC, a major boost to their egos. They are not going to be as easily pushed over this time around. We will need to attack them as we have in the past. Relentless pressure, big physical defense and ball control at mid-field. All Sodium traits other teams can't ignore. Who will be the hero's today? The 180's? The defense? Our steadfast mid-field? Whichever team wants it more will be victorious today.
The last 2 years Sodium has ended the fall league play with a defeat and a tie. Lets break the string today. Lets go out with a sound victory. Lets go out on top this year Sodium. For the last time this fall season the lady warriors will take the field. One last time to give 100%. One last time to leave it all on the field, to call on your sisters to cover your back. They won't let you down.
Remember what it took to get here Sodium. Remember the sacrifices, the hard work, the extra effort. You have become a premier team in a very short time and today you get the pleasure of taking the field and showing everyone what you do best.
Now lets go out there and kick some FC booty! Lets have some fun, SODIUM STYLE!
I will be there in spirit.
From somewhere South on I-5, I will be yelling: GO SODIUM!
I wanted to leave you guys with some insight. Given this is our last fall league game it shouldn't diminish its importance. Rush has 2 games left and we can't catch them for first place. LOSC has 1 game left. If we both win, we will retain second spot. FC is in 4th place with no chance for first but, with 2 games left, could overtake LOSC for third. That scenario would mean they would have to beat Sodium. Not happening the way we are playing.
Let's take a look back. The 2007 fall league found Sodium in 5th place out of 8 with 17 total points. In 2006 Sodium finished 7th out of 8 and had 15 points. We have a chance this year to almost double the point total of the last 2 years and finish a very strong second place. You've come a long way in 2 years lady warriors, something to be proud of.
So, that brings me to today. A match against your friends and arch rivals. Last time we met it was a 3-0 Sodium victory. Since then FC has beaten LOSC, a major boost to their egos. They are not going to be as easily pushed over this time around. We will need to attack them as we have in the past. Relentless pressure, big physical defense and ball control at mid-field. All Sodium traits other teams can't ignore. Who will be the hero's today? The 180's? The defense? Our steadfast mid-field? Whichever team wants it more will be victorious today.
The last 2 years Sodium has ended the fall league play with a defeat and a tie. Lets break the string today. Lets go out with a sound victory. Lets go out on top this year Sodium. For the last time this fall season the lady warriors will take the field. One last time to give 100%. One last time to leave it all on the field, to call on your sisters to cover your back. They won't let you down.
Remember what it took to get here Sodium. Remember the sacrifices, the hard work, the extra effort. You have become a premier team in a very short time and today you get the pleasure of taking the field and showing everyone what you do best.
Now lets go out there and kick some FC booty! Lets have some fun, SODIUM STYLE!
I will be there in spirit.
From somewhere South on I-5, I will be yelling: GO SODIUM!
Monday, October 20, 2008
4 game wrap up
Sorry Sodium fans for taking so long to catch you up on the league play, been busier than a one legged man in a butt kick'n contest so I will do my best now. I will post pictures later this week from all the games but for now, a recap will have to do. I will start with a little editorial then game summaries. So, pull up a chair, grab a diet coke and enjoy!
From the sidelines
The lady warriors really elevated their game over the past few weeks. They handled an always tough Keizer team, put away Strikers with ease, tied a very physical Rush and also tied a very beatable Arsenal team.
The good, bad and ugly.
Good - I think this years team knows how to win. The defense plays with confidence, the mids can handle pretty much any situation and we have many combinations to throw at opposing defenses at the forward spots. Any of of which have proved they can score. The passing and communication are getting better and thus are starting to create more chances to score. When we are down we don't loose our cool. We maintain control, create chances and score.
Bad & Ugly - Not really much to say here except that we lack the killer instinct. I have seen in the past months a Sodium that, when we have a lead, starts playing 'not to lose' instead of playing 'to win'. Let me elaborate. Let's say we are playing Oregon Rush. We score in the first half. We begin the second half and start playing a little tentative, like we are suddenly defensive minded instead of attacking [like the first half]. This gives Rush more opportunities to score and of course, they do, to tie the game. Another example is Keizer. We were up 2-0 in the second half and started to play tentative. Not attacking as hard as we could, not winning as many 50/50's, not being as aggressive. Suddenly Keizer scores. Now it's 2-1 and I can sense a little panic creeping in. The playing the latter part of the second half was all in our end. When the final whistle blew Keizer was about to line up a corner kick. A dangerous place to be.
What to do about it? - Coming from a coaches standpoint the lady warriors haven't quite developed their 'Killer Instinct' yet. That; "Smell blood and go for the throat" attitude. When you score on a team, the most demoralizing thing you can do to them is score again quickly. You don't want to let them back in the contest buy them controlling the ball in your end. If you score, you create that moment of doubt in their minds and from a competitive standpoint, you want to exploit that to the fullest, and the best way to do that is to pound their goal.
Let me explain it differently. In the sport of boxing you have two athletes competing. If one lands a couple good punches, wobbles his opponent, and feels he has won the round, he doesn't just sit back and wait for the bell. If he does that, his opponent might land a couple punches of his own and turn the momentum. No, instead, if he wobbles his opponent, he attacks him with everything he has so he can exploit the fact his opponent is weak and possibly knock him out and end the fight right there.
That, lady warriors, is what I'm talking about. On the field, if you score and know the other team's confidence is shaken, you have got to attack that much harder! Don't be satisfied if we have a 1-0 or 2-0 lead. You should want a 4, 5 or 6-0 lead! You can't sit back and wait for time to run out. In field sports, soccer especially, time can turn into your enemy very quickly, and you always want the clock on your side. You have got to develop the drive to dominate. When I was playing varsity football my goal was to have the guy I was playing across leave the field crying. If I accomplished that, I won. [regardless of the score] That meant I totally dominated him, I owned him and he knew it. He didn't want to stay in for another play.
Another example - Remember the Mia Hamm quote; "You can't just beat a team, you have to leave a lasting impression in their minds so they never want to see you again". Do you think she is talking about playing soft with a 2-0 lead? NO WAY! She is talking about running the score to 5, 6 or 7-0. We let Keizer back in so they think they can play with us. We let Arsenal think they can compete.
Do you think FC Portland was OK with a 1-0 lead over LOSC? Or do you think they smelled the fear coming from Extreme and jumped all over them to deliver a 3-0 whooping?
The truth is, we need to dominate, or we will be dominated. We have the skills, we have the players, we have the talent to deliver on this task. We have the mental toughness, we just need that killer instinct to put teams away. We can do it, I've seen it first hand. We know this Sodium team can and will do great things.
You have the heart of lions and the determination of soldiers. You are lady warriors, you are Sodium.
OK, I'll pull the coach/motivational speaker hat off and get to some facts & stats.
I'll start from the most recent and work back.
10/19 vs. ESUFC Arsenal
What was viewed to be a easy win, the much improved Arsenal team came out fired up. As the second half came underway the Arsenal team scored on a defensive miscue to take a surprising 1-0 lead. As any great team will do, Sodium remained patient and focused. Within minutes Laura Camp fed a perfect lead pass to Hannah Lautenbach streaking in from the right side. The goalie committed and Hannah launched a perfect shot over her head, off the far post and into the net! To put a little exclamation on it, Sodium actually had two players IN the net waiting for the ball!!
After that, smelling a little blood, Sodium began to pick apart the Arsenal defense. From the sidelines it was great to watch the calculated way Sodium would move the ball up from defense, to mid to Emmy Owens in the center. Patiently Emmy would dissect the situation and find an outside forward or take herself. In the last 5 minutes of the game Sodium out shot the ESUFC team 5-1. The final whistle blew and contest ended 1-1.
10/18 vs OR Rush 95G Nike
When Sodium takes on the "Beast from the East" it is always a barn burner! On fields that were 100 times better than last year Sodium knew it was in for a battle. An early team breakfast followed by a walk to the fields and a pep talk from Tom fueled the lady warriors for the showdown at high-noon. At just before the half Taylor Moscoe, who had an outstanding game, beat the defender and was streaking down the right side. Alertly she spotted Emmy Owens flashing in the 6-yard box. Taylor fed Emmy a perfect cross which she ripped passed the Rush goalie for a 1-0 Sodium lead!
Play continued to be physical as, after a Rush free kick, Camille Fairbairn was clearing a goal kick but had to dodge two downed Rush players in the 18-yard box! With just minutes left Rush was awarded a corner kick. A mosh pit ensued and the ball was booted past a diving Camille to tie the score at 1's. The clock ran out as Sodium was pushing towards the goal.
10/12 vs WSM Strikers
Sodium has never had an issue with the last place Strikers and today was no different. Sodium dominated the play the entire game. The first goal came, after 4 or 5 headers in front of the WSM goal box, when MAC Kearney decided she'd had enough and headed the ball in the goal! MAC has proven to be an exciting player for the lady warriors this year and has had several outstanding performances. Later in the second half Laura Camp had penetrated into the right side of the 18-yard box. She loaded up and fired a rocket that careened off an unsuspecting Defenders back and into the goal for the 2-0 win! On a side note, Hannah Lautenbach stepped up to play keeper as Camille Fairbairn moved to forward. Hannah provided us all with a few exciting moments! Way to go Hannah!
10/11 vs Keizer Hotshots
Traveling to Keizer always proves to be an adventure. The often overlooked Hotshots are one of those teams that can play giant killer. Of course, that didn't happen today. Even though the Hotshots are big, aggressive and physical, the conditioning of the Sodium team proved to be the difference. This year Sodium finds all kinds of different ways to score. The first came on a Laura Camp free kick that found Hannah Lautenbach 'posting up' strong in the 6-yard box to fire a bullet passed the Hotshot keeper. The second score came off a Lexi Frey corner kick that rocketed in! Lexi has proved to be a force from the corner this season. A late rush produced a Keizer score but it proved too little too late as the final whistle blew giving Sodium the 2-1 edge.
Again, sorry for the late updates and I will post pictures by the end of the week.
From a stool at the Niblick & Greenes we shout: GO SODIUM!
From the sidelines
The lady warriors really elevated their game over the past few weeks. They handled an always tough Keizer team, put away Strikers with ease, tied a very physical Rush and also tied a very beatable Arsenal team.
The good, bad and ugly.
Good - I think this years team knows how to win. The defense plays with confidence, the mids can handle pretty much any situation and we have many combinations to throw at opposing defenses at the forward spots. Any of of which have proved they can score. The passing and communication are getting better and thus are starting to create more chances to score. When we are down we don't loose our cool. We maintain control, create chances and score.
Bad & Ugly - Not really much to say here except that we lack the killer instinct. I have seen in the past months a Sodium that, when we have a lead, starts playing 'not to lose' instead of playing 'to win'. Let me elaborate. Let's say we are playing Oregon Rush. We score in the first half. We begin the second half and start playing a little tentative, like we are suddenly defensive minded instead of attacking [like the first half]. This gives Rush more opportunities to score and of course, they do, to tie the game. Another example is Keizer. We were up 2-0 in the second half and started to play tentative. Not attacking as hard as we could, not winning as many 50/50's, not being as aggressive. Suddenly Keizer scores. Now it's 2-1 and I can sense a little panic creeping in. The playing the latter part of the second half was all in our end. When the final whistle blew Keizer was about to line up a corner kick. A dangerous place to be.
What to do about it? - Coming from a coaches standpoint the lady warriors haven't quite developed their 'Killer Instinct' yet. That; "Smell blood and go for the throat" attitude. When you score on a team, the most demoralizing thing you can do to them is score again quickly. You don't want to let them back in the contest buy them controlling the ball in your end. If you score, you create that moment of doubt in their minds and from a competitive standpoint, you want to exploit that to the fullest, and the best way to do that is to pound their goal.
Let me explain it differently. In the sport of boxing you have two athletes competing. If one lands a couple good punches, wobbles his opponent, and feels he has won the round, he doesn't just sit back and wait for the bell. If he does that, his opponent might land a couple punches of his own and turn the momentum. No, instead, if he wobbles his opponent, he attacks him with everything he has so he can exploit the fact his opponent is weak and possibly knock him out and end the fight right there.
That, lady warriors, is what I'm talking about. On the field, if you score and know the other team's confidence is shaken, you have got to attack that much harder! Don't be satisfied if we have a 1-0 or 2-0 lead. You should want a 4, 5 or 6-0 lead! You can't sit back and wait for time to run out. In field sports, soccer especially, time can turn into your enemy very quickly, and you always want the clock on your side. You have got to develop the drive to dominate. When I was playing varsity football my goal was to have the guy I was playing across leave the field crying. If I accomplished that, I won. [regardless of the score] That meant I totally dominated him, I owned him and he knew it. He didn't want to stay in for another play.
Another example - Remember the Mia Hamm quote; "You can't just beat a team, you have to leave a lasting impression in their minds so they never want to see you again". Do you think she is talking about playing soft with a 2-0 lead? NO WAY! She is talking about running the score to 5, 6 or 7-0. We let Keizer back in so they think they can play with us. We let Arsenal think they can compete.
Do you think FC Portland was OK with a 1-0 lead over LOSC? Or do you think they smelled the fear coming from Extreme and jumped all over them to deliver a 3-0 whooping?
The truth is, we need to dominate, or we will be dominated. We have the skills, we have the players, we have the talent to deliver on this task. We have the mental toughness, we just need that killer instinct to put teams away. We can do it, I've seen it first hand. We know this Sodium team can and will do great things.
You have the heart of lions and the determination of soldiers. You are lady warriors, you are Sodium.
OK, I'll pull the coach/motivational speaker hat off and get to some facts & stats.
I'll start from the most recent and work back.
10/19 vs. ESUFC Arsenal
What was viewed to be a easy win, the much improved Arsenal team came out fired up. As the second half came underway the Arsenal team scored on a defensive miscue to take a surprising 1-0 lead. As any great team will do, Sodium remained patient and focused. Within minutes Laura Camp fed a perfect lead pass to Hannah Lautenbach streaking in from the right side. The goalie committed and Hannah launched a perfect shot over her head, off the far post and into the net! To put a little exclamation on it, Sodium actually had two players IN the net waiting for the ball!!
After that, smelling a little blood, Sodium began to pick apart the Arsenal defense. From the sidelines it was great to watch the calculated way Sodium would move the ball up from defense, to mid to Emmy Owens in the center. Patiently Emmy would dissect the situation and find an outside forward or take herself. In the last 5 minutes of the game Sodium out shot the ESUFC team 5-1. The final whistle blew and contest ended 1-1.
10/18 vs OR Rush 95G Nike
When Sodium takes on the "Beast from the East" it is always a barn burner! On fields that were 100 times better than last year Sodium knew it was in for a battle. An early team breakfast followed by a walk to the fields and a pep talk from Tom fueled the lady warriors for the showdown at high-noon. At just before the half Taylor Moscoe, who had an outstanding game, beat the defender and was streaking down the right side. Alertly she spotted Emmy Owens flashing in the 6-yard box. Taylor fed Emmy a perfect cross which she ripped passed the Rush goalie for a 1-0 Sodium lead!
Play continued to be physical as, after a Rush free kick, Camille Fairbairn was clearing a goal kick but had to dodge two downed Rush players in the 18-yard box! With just minutes left Rush was awarded a corner kick. A mosh pit ensued and the ball was booted past a diving Camille to tie the score at 1's. The clock ran out as Sodium was pushing towards the goal.
10/12 vs WSM Strikers
Sodium has never had an issue with the last place Strikers and today was no different. Sodium dominated the play the entire game. The first goal came, after 4 or 5 headers in front of the WSM goal box, when MAC Kearney decided she'd had enough and headed the ball in the goal! MAC has proven to be an exciting player for the lady warriors this year and has had several outstanding performances. Later in the second half Laura Camp had penetrated into the right side of the 18-yard box. She loaded up and fired a rocket that careened off an unsuspecting Defenders back and into the goal for the 2-0 win! On a side note, Hannah Lautenbach stepped up to play keeper as Camille Fairbairn moved to forward. Hannah provided us all with a few exciting moments! Way to go Hannah!
10/11 vs Keizer Hotshots
Traveling to Keizer always proves to be an adventure. The often overlooked Hotshots are one of those teams that can play giant killer. Of course, that didn't happen today. Even though the Hotshots are big, aggressive and physical, the conditioning of the Sodium team proved to be the difference. This year Sodium finds all kinds of different ways to score. The first came on a Laura Camp free kick that found Hannah Lautenbach 'posting up' strong in the 6-yard box to fire a bullet passed the Hotshot keeper. The second score came off a Lexi Frey corner kick that rocketed in! Lexi has proved to be a force from the corner this season. A late rush produced a Keizer score but it proved too little too late as the final whistle blew giving Sodium the 2-1 edge.
Again, sorry for the late updates and I will post pictures by the end of the week.
From a stool at the Niblick & Greenes we shout: GO SODIUM!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Weekend Split for Sodium
Last weekend ended in a split as Sodium handed the Eugene Magic a 2-0 beating while being on the receiving end in Sunday's match against LOSC. The lady warriors fought hard but Extreme proved to be the better team on that day handing Sodium their second loss in league play 2-0.
On a brighter note Coach Tom sent out a great reassuring email to the team to "Keep the Faith" noting that, at this point, this years Sodium squad has scored more goals than last years team had! Impressive to say the least!
Some highlights!
After several headers MAC Kearney finds Elianna Beard for the go-ahead goal against Eugene!
Laura Camp delivers a goal from a 25-yard free kick to put the Lady Warriors up 2-0!
The E*A*T'em up defense shows their stuff as Taylor Coon shuts down a Eugene forward.
Lexi Frey on the attack against Eugene.
Camille Fairbairn 'airs-one-out' from the goal box against LOSC.
Emmy Owens splits the Extreme defenders on her way to the goal.
Jadyn McMillan giving her all as she "Crashes the Box" against the LOSC keeper.
Erika Cook clears the ball as she has proven to be a vital part of the feared E*A*T defense.
On a brighter note Coach Tom sent out a great reassuring email to the team to "Keep the Faith" noting that, at this point, this years Sodium squad has scored more goals than last years team had! Impressive to say the least!
Some highlights!
After several headers MAC Kearney finds Elianna Beard for the go-ahead goal against Eugene!
Laura Camp delivers a goal from a 25-yard free kick to put the Lady Warriors up 2-0!
The E*A*T'em up defense shows their stuff as Taylor Coon shuts down a Eugene forward.
Lexi Frey on the attack against Eugene.
Camille Fairbairn 'airs-one-out' from the goal box against LOSC.
Emmy Owens splits the Extreme defenders on her way to the goal.
Jadyn McMillan giving her all as she "Crashes the Box" against the LOSC keeper.
Erika Cook clears the ball as she has proven to be a vital part of the feared E*A*T defense.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Lights Out!
Today is the day lady warriors, we face our biggest rival LOSC. It's time we went into their house and took one from them.
I know the defense will be fired up. Taylor Coon knows she needs to stop their center forward. One-on-one, body-on-body. You think she's fired up knowing Lexi and Erika have her back? She already has her uniform on.
It's time we bring it up a notch. Mids need to win one more 50/50, forwards need to take one more shot, or sprint to goal one step faster.
We can't let LOSC think they can beat or tie us every time. It's time Sodium earned some respect. This rivalry has been cultivating for years, it didn't just start in 2007 and it didn't just start with soccer. But today, in a few short hours, it's time put their Lights Out! I'm talking about giving it one more than you thought you could. Run a little faster chasing a ball, giving just a little more to stop a LOSC player from getting around you. Throwing the ball a little further on the throw in. No reserves today lady warriors, nothing left, 100%, it's time we take one from Extreme. Sodium, you can beat any team in our league. You've proved it to us, your loyal fans, to the rest of the teams in league, and now, today, it's time we prove it to LOSC. It's time to show them what the new Sodium Style is all about. The time is now to rise up and kick a little Extreme booty, to take one from them in their own house. This game today is for sole possession of FIRST PLACE in the Premier Gold Division. Let's knock LOSC out of that spot today!
Your back lady warriors, BACK IN BLACK! Who's going to be the hero's today? The defense? The 180's? The Mids? It's all for one and one for all today Sodium!
If it is to be, it's up to me.
From the fancy schmansy Lakeridge Stadium the Sodium faithful scream: GO SODIUM!
I know the defense will be fired up. Taylor Coon knows she needs to stop their center forward. One-on-one, body-on-body. You think she's fired up knowing Lexi and Erika have her back? She already has her uniform on.
It's time we bring it up a notch. Mids need to win one more 50/50, forwards need to take one more shot, or sprint to goal one step faster.
We can't let LOSC think they can beat or tie us every time. It's time Sodium earned some respect. This rivalry has been cultivating for years, it didn't just start in 2007 and it didn't just start with soccer. But today, in a few short hours, it's time put their Lights Out! I'm talking about giving it one more than you thought you could. Run a little faster chasing a ball, giving just a little more to stop a LOSC player from getting around you. Throwing the ball a little further on the throw in. No reserves today lady warriors, nothing left, 100%, it's time we take one from Extreme. Sodium, you can beat any team in our league. You've proved it to us, your loyal fans, to the rest of the teams in league, and now, today, it's time we prove it to LOSC. It's time to show them what the new Sodium Style is all about. The time is now to rise up and kick a little Extreme booty, to take one from them in their own house. This game today is for sole possession of FIRST PLACE in the Premier Gold Division. Let's knock LOSC out of that spot today!
Your back lady warriors, BACK IN BLACK! Who's going to be the hero's today? The defense? The 180's? The Mids? It's all for one and one for all today Sodium!
If it is to be, it's up to me.
From the fancy schmansy Lakeridge Stadium the Sodium faithful scream: GO SODIUM!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Something new for the blog.
In conjunction with the Sodium paparazzi [aka Wade & Dan] I am going to start posting action shots along with the editorial. I am going to try to balance it out where I get forwards, mids and defense. If I don't get everyone please be patient, this is a work in progress and I will try to get everyone in. Thanks and with that, I post the following;
Katherine Kramer ripping the net against Arsenal! A 17 2/3 yard shot!
The result of a perfect Lexi Frey corner kick! GOOAALL!
Marisa Reid puts the finishing touches on an outstanding break-a-way!
Elianna Beard heads the ball past the FC goalie for a 2-0 Sodium lead!
My apologies go to MAC Kearney who scored the final goal against FC Saturday. We'll get you next time! Keep up the great hustle!
GO SODIUM!
Katherine Kramer ripping the net against Arsenal! A 17 2/3 yard shot!
The result of a perfect Lexi Frey corner kick! GOOAALL!
Marisa Reid puts the finishing touches on an outstanding break-a-way!
Elianna Beard heads the ball past the FC goalie for a 2-0 Sodium lead!My apologies go to MAC Kearney who scored the final goal against FC Saturday. We'll get you next time! Keep up the great hustle!
GO SODIUM!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Elsewhere around the league...
Saturday 9/27
Keizer Hotshots 1 vs LOSC Extreme 0 [yeah baby!]
OR Rush 95G Nike 3 vs EMFC 95 Magic 0
FC Portland Platinum 2 vs WSM Strikers 1
Sunday 9/28
OR Rush 95G Nike 6 vs ESUFC Arsenal 2
Keizer Hotshots 0 vs LOSC Extreme 3
EMFC 95 Magic 1 vs WSM Strikers 0
Current Points Standings
LOSC Extreme 16
THUSC Sodium 16
OR Rush 95G Nike 15
Keizer Hotshots 12
FC Portland Platinum 9
ESUFC Arsenal 4
EMFC 95 Magic 3
WSM Strikers 1
GO SODIUM!
Keizer Hotshots 1 vs LOSC Extreme 0 [yeah baby!]
OR Rush 95G Nike 3 vs EMFC 95 Magic 0
FC Portland Platinum 2 vs WSM Strikers 1
Sunday 9/28
OR Rush 95G Nike 6 vs ESUFC Arsenal 2
Keizer Hotshots 0 vs LOSC Extreme 3
EMFC 95 Magic 1 vs WSM Strikers 0
Current Points Standings
LOSC Extreme 16
THUSC Sodium 16
OR Rush 95G Nike 15
Keizer Hotshots 12
FC Portland Platinum 9
ESUFC Arsenal 4
EMFC 95 Magic 3
WSM Strikers 1
GO SODIUM!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sodium Sweeps Weekend League Play
Sodium is firing on cylinders as the lady warriors roll through the 4th weekend of league play with a pair of wins.
vs ESUFC Arsenal
When it's working, it's working. Sodium is playing very well and when the lady warriors took to the turf at Gresham H.S. Saturday, you could just feel it was all business. Arsenal has always been a team that, if taken for granted, will bite you in the rear end. Not so today. In the first half, as in so many games, Sodium dominated. The play was confined to the Arsenal side of the field. And to prove she's a player, Katherine Kramer wanted her first goal of the season to be spectacular, and she didn't disappoint anyone! From Emmy Owens came a perfect lead pass that Katherine one touched just inside the 18-yard box. She took aim and blasted a perfect shot just out of reach of the Arsenal keeper that stung the upper left corner of the net! The crowd went nuts as the girls swarmed Katherine to show their appreciation! That proved to be all there was in the first half as Sodium took a 1-0 lead into the break. Midway into the second half Lexi Frey wasn't to be outdone. On a patented left footed corner kick Lexi 'Bent it like Beckham' just under the cross bar for a 2-0 lead! The corner kicks from Lexi and Laura Camp have proved that Sodium can score any time, from anywhere on the field. ESUFC made a late run and scored but it proved too little, too late as the final whistle blew giving Sodium a 2-1 victory!
vs FC Portland Platinum
The forward package dubbed The 180's [because their combined weight almost reaches 180 lbs] comprised of Marisa Reid, Elianna Beard and MAC Kearney caught fire against FC Portland this morning. These three warriors were responsible for all three goals scored in the match. The first goal against the big, physical Platinum team came in the midway point of the first half. Marisa Reid took a long lead pass deep down the right side, stopped, cut back and left the FC defender holding her shorts! Marisa took the ball cleanly to the goal where she rocketed a shot pasted the diving keeper! The crowd was totally awestruck by the move and filled the field with cheers!
The score remained 1-0 as the half concluded.
The second half started wild and woolly as Sodium controlled the ball, the tempo and the field position. Laura Nguyen chipped a ball into the 6-yard box where a driving Elianna Beard, after the first bounce, headed the ball over the outstretched arms of the FC keeper for a 2-0 Sodium lead! The crowd went nuts! But were The 180's finished? NO WAY! In the closing minutes the lady warriors had yet again penetrated the Platinum defense. An alert Elianna Beard found a crashing MAC Kearney who, after hurdling at least one defender, ripped the net with a close range missile! The crowd roared! Game, set, match as the final whistle blew and Sodium handed FC Portland a 3-0 beating on their home turf.
The girls are coming together and confidence is building as the team forges ahead in league play. You never know who the 'Hero' is going to be but with the talent spread amongst the entire team, it could be anyone of them as this weekend showed us. Tom has taken a team that, very easily, could have folded under the loss of so many players and, with the addition of equally talented superstars, turned them into a well oiled machine. The new players are playing awesome, the veterans have stepped up and never lost a step as Sodium continues to dominate and elevate their game. It is evident that these lady warriors are giving 100% every time they take the field. This team has crushed any rumors that weren't going to be just as tough, just as physical and just as emotionally charged as last year. They are definitely playing Sodium Style ball right now and have proved they are BACK IN BLACK!
I find myself barely able to sleep Friday nights in anticipation of the next game and to find out who will emerge to take charge.
Next up:
10/4/08 vs EMFC 95 Magic @ PCC - 1:30pm kick off
10/5/08 vs LOSC Extreme @ Lakeridge H.S. - 12:30 kick off [possibly for first place]
As The Stones 'Paint it Black' plays in the background we yell: GO SODIUM!
vs ESUFC Arsenal
When it's working, it's working. Sodium is playing very well and when the lady warriors took to the turf at Gresham H.S. Saturday, you could just feel it was all business. Arsenal has always been a team that, if taken for granted, will bite you in the rear end. Not so today. In the first half, as in so many games, Sodium dominated. The play was confined to the Arsenal side of the field. And to prove she's a player, Katherine Kramer wanted her first goal of the season to be spectacular, and she didn't disappoint anyone! From Emmy Owens came a perfect lead pass that Katherine one touched just inside the 18-yard box. She took aim and blasted a perfect shot just out of reach of the Arsenal keeper that stung the upper left corner of the net! The crowd went nuts as the girls swarmed Katherine to show their appreciation! That proved to be all there was in the first half as Sodium took a 1-0 lead into the break. Midway into the second half Lexi Frey wasn't to be outdone. On a patented left footed corner kick Lexi 'Bent it like Beckham' just under the cross bar for a 2-0 lead! The corner kicks from Lexi and Laura Camp have proved that Sodium can score any time, from anywhere on the field. ESUFC made a late run and scored but it proved too little, too late as the final whistle blew giving Sodium a 2-1 victory!
vs FC Portland Platinum
The forward package dubbed The 180's [because their combined weight almost reaches 180 lbs] comprised of Marisa Reid, Elianna Beard and MAC Kearney caught fire against FC Portland this morning. These three warriors were responsible for all three goals scored in the match. The first goal against the big, physical Platinum team came in the midway point of the first half. Marisa Reid took a long lead pass deep down the right side, stopped, cut back and left the FC defender holding her shorts! Marisa took the ball cleanly to the goal where she rocketed a shot pasted the diving keeper! The crowd was totally awestruck by the move and filled the field with cheers!
The score remained 1-0 as the half concluded.
The second half started wild and woolly as Sodium controlled the ball, the tempo and the field position. Laura Nguyen chipped a ball into the 6-yard box where a driving Elianna Beard, after the first bounce, headed the ball over the outstretched arms of the FC keeper for a 2-0 Sodium lead! The crowd went nuts! But were The 180's finished? NO WAY! In the closing minutes the lady warriors had yet again penetrated the Platinum defense. An alert Elianna Beard found a crashing MAC Kearney who, after hurdling at least one defender, ripped the net with a close range missile! The crowd roared! Game, set, match as the final whistle blew and Sodium handed FC Portland a 3-0 beating on their home turf.
The girls are coming together and confidence is building as the team forges ahead in league play. You never know who the 'Hero' is going to be but with the talent spread amongst the entire team, it could be anyone of them as this weekend showed us. Tom has taken a team that, very easily, could have folded under the loss of so many players and, with the addition of equally talented superstars, turned them into a well oiled machine. The new players are playing awesome, the veterans have stepped up and never lost a step as Sodium continues to dominate and elevate their game. It is evident that these lady warriors are giving 100% every time they take the field. This team has crushed any rumors that weren't going to be just as tough, just as physical and just as emotionally charged as last year. They are definitely playing Sodium Style ball right now and have proved they are BACK IN BLACK!
I find myself barely able to sleep Friday nights in anticipation of the next game and to find out who will emerge to take charge.
Next up:
10/4/08 vs EMFC 95 Magic @ PCC - 1:30pm kick off
10/5/08 vs LOSC Extreme @ Lakeridge H.S. - 12:30 kick off [possibly for first place]
As The Stones 'Paint it Black' plays in the background we yell: GO SODIUM!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Around the league
In other matches here is how the rest of the games shaped up;
Saturday 9/20
LOSC 3 vs FC Portland 1
WSM 0 vs Arsenal 1
Hotshots 1 vs Magic 0
Sunday 9/21
Arsenal 0 vs WSM 0 [yes, they played twice]
LOSC 3 vs OR Rush 1 [woo hoo!]
Hotshots 2 vs FC Portland 1 [woo hoo #2!]
Current Points Standings:
LOSC 13
Sodium 10
OR Rush 9
Hotshots 9
FC Portland 6
Arsenal 4
Strikers 1 [ 2 yellow cards?? ]
Magic 0
GO SODIUM!
Saturday 9/20
LOSC 3 vs FC Portland 1
WSM 0 vs Arsenal 1
Hotshots 1 vs Magic 0
Sunday 9/21
Arsenal 0 vs WSM 0 [yes, they played twice]
LOSC 3 vs OR Rush 1 [woo hoo!]
Hotshots 2 vs FC Portland 1 [woo hoo #2!]
Current Points Standings:
LOSC 13
Sodium 10
OR Rush 9
Hotshots 9
FC Portland 6
Arsenal 4
Strikers 1 [ 2 yellow cards?? ]
Magic 0
GO SODIUM!
Sodium Splits Weekend Contests
"Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining"
vs OR Rush 95G Nike
Sodium knew going in it was going to be a war, and what a battle it was. Rush always has given Sodium problems. Even though the Lady Warriors elevated their game, the final score was 3-0. Don't get discouraged, they played great! Even the Rush coach approached Tom and said; "You guys kicked the crap out of us, sorry." With that said, Sodium kept their heads up. We will see this team many more times and into the post season. What is important is not the score but what we learned. Playing Rush is about finishing. Yes, they scored 3 goals on about 6 shots. We scored 0 on about 20 shots. The opportunities will present themselves, we just need to take advantage. The passing is there, the ball movement and communication are there. The defense played well and, by sheer shot count, the mids and forwards played well. We just need to find the net. Plain and simple. This chapter is far from over vs OR Rush. But the next installment will be up to you.
vs EMFC 95 Magic
After a long drive South on a drizzly, cold morning the lady warriors took the field against Magic, a much improved Eugene team. In typical Sodium Style they cut the field of play in half and never left the Magic side. What could have been a double digit game turned into a 1-0 victory for Sodium. The same situation plagued them as the game before, finishing. How many balls went right to the Magic keeper or off the post before Laura Camp's corner kick [which has turned into a great weapon for Sodium!] was headed in by Hannah Lautenbach? Sodium was patient, communicating, passing and attacking when the opportunity was right. A sign of greatness. A sign of a great team.
The main points here, in my humble opinion, are that we don't get discouraged. Look at the last 2 seasons and how they ended. Look at where we are now in comparison. The Fall, indoor and Spring seasons will have peaks and valleys but in comparison, we are ahead of where we were those last two years. If we can confront the finishing hurdle now and deal with it, the rest of the year will consist of refining greatness. Last year, if you recall, we just conquered the finishing phobia right before State Cup. This year we are addressing it in the Fall! Nothing to worry about. If you get a chance, go back and read the 2008 season blog. Sodium didn't win a game in October!! So ladies, keep you heads up, keep practicing hard and giving 100% at game time and we will be in the hunt come State Cup time.
This season has just begun and there is a ton of soccer ahead. You have a great coach and an extremely talent packed team. From here on it's about work. It's about working harder to get better than the other teams are. It's about what you do off the field that will make you better. OR Rush, LOSC, FC, none of them are as dedicated, passionate and willing to sacrifice as you are. We are able to run these teams into the ground late in the games because we condition harder. Remember playing the Strikers and how their team was standing around exhausted the last 8 minutes of the game? We win with our hearts, our minds and our feet. We may not always have the biggest team, but we have the biggest hearts filled with dedication and commitment to our team. You can't teach that lady warriors.
If it is to be, it's up to me.
From under the umbrella's we yell: GO SODIUM!
vs OR Rush 95G Nike
Sodium knew going in it was going to be a war, and what a battle it was. Rush always has given Sodium problems. Even though the Lady Warriors elevated their game, the final score was 3-0. Don't get discouraged, they played great! Even the Rush coach approached Tom and said; "You guys kicked the crap out of us, sorry." With that said, Sodium kept their heads up. We will see this team many more times and into the post season. What is important is not the score but what we learned. Playing Rush is about finishing. Yes, they scored 3 goals on about 6 shots. We scored 0 on about 20 shots. The opportunities will present themselves, we just need to take advantage. The passing is there, the ball movement and communication are there. The defense played well and, by sheer shot count, the mids and forwards played well. We just need to find the net. Plain and simple. This chapter is far from over vs OR Rush. But the next installment will be up to you.
vs EMFC 95 Magic
After a long drive South on a drizzly, cold morning the lady warriors took the field against Magic, a much improved Eugene team. In typical Sodium Style they cut the field of play in half and never left the Magic side. What could have been a double digit game turned into a 1-0 victory for Sodium. The same situation plagued them as the game before, finishing. How many balls went right to the Magic keeper or off the post before Laura Camp's corner kick [which has turned into a great weapon for Sodium!] was headed in by Hannah Lautenbach? Sodium was patient, communicating, passing and attacking when the opportunity was right. A sign of greatness. A sign of a great team.
The main points here, in my humble opinion, are that we don't get discouraged. Look at the last 2 seasons and how they ended. Look at where we are now in comparison. The Fall, indoor and Spring seasons will have peaks and valleys but in comparison, we are ahead of where we were those last two years. If we can confront the finishing hurdle now and deal with it, the rest of the year will consist of refining greatness. Last year, if you recall, we just conquered the finishing phobia right before State Cup. This year we are addressing it in the Fall! Nothing to worry about. If you get a chance, go back and read the 2008 season blog. Sodium didn't win a game in October!! So ladies, keep you heads up, keep practicing hard and giving 100% at game time and we will be in the hunt come State Cup time.
This season has just begun and there is a ton of soccer ahead. You have a great coach and an extremely talent packed team. From here on it's about work. It's about working harder to get better than the other teams are. It's about what you do off the field that will make you better. OR Rush, LOSC, FC, none of them are as dedicated, passionate and willing to sacrifice as you are. We are able to run these teams into the ground late in the games because we condition harder. Remember playing the Strikers and how their team was standing around exhausted the last 8 minutes of the game? We win with our hearts, our minds and our feet. We may not always have the biggest team, but we have the biggest hearts filled with dedication and commitment to our team. You can't teach that lady warriors.
If it is to be, it's up to me.
From under the umbrella's we yell: GO SODIUM!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Tomorrow
Tomorrow you will take the field against a worthy adversary. A team Sodium has never beat. A big, physical team that will come at you all game long. Tomorrow our defense will be called upon to elevate their game to untold levels. Our mids will have the battle of their careers and the forwards will be asked to give everything they have. Tomorrow lady warriors, will be a war.
The OR Rush team will be coming to our house, the 'House of Pain' for many teams, and tomorrow, they will join the ranks.
This is a game that needs no introductions. You know what to do. Motivation will be the key. You will need to look across field 5 and see RED. They are coming into our house to take this game away from us on the same field we won the State Championship. If that doesn't get you motivated, get your blood boiling, make you mad as heck, then I don't know what will. Tomorrow will be a huge test of our will to win. This OR Rush team has never stepped foot on the field with the New Sodium team, and they're in for a rude awakening. If ever a league game will be watched, it's this one. Everyone will be waiting to hear the outcome. This game will set the precedence for the rest of league play. A win will establish Sodium as a contender, a position we know well, and OR Rush as a beatable team.
Tomorrow you will be called upon to dig deep, to bring out the passion you have for the game, for your team. Tomorrow you will elevate your play to the level of true champions. Like the scene when the Spartans [300] were facing the army of the Immortals [thousands]. They were smaller, fewer in numbers but they had heart, anger, the will to win and a never give up attitude. The same attributes I've seen played out by this team time and time again.
Tomorrow you will asked to give 100% for 60 minutes. To leave everything you have on the field, to be a hero. You will have 10 others on the field who will have your back. The time is now to cut loose, to take it to the limits. I know you can do it, I've seen it many times before.
Tomorrow, as you walk on the field of battle, ask yourself, "Who will be the hero?" Every game has one.
As I write this the song, "Fear of the Dark" just came on. How appropriate.
If it is to be, it's up to me
To read the origin of this saying, click here.
GO SODIUM!
The OR Rush team will be coming to our house, the 'House of Pain' for many teams, and tomorrow, they will join the ranks.
This is a game that needs no introductions. You know what to do. Motivation will be the key. You will need to look across field 5 and see RED. They are coming into our house to take this game away from us on the same field we won the State Championship. If that doesn't get you motivated, get your blood boiling, make you mad as heck, then I don't know what will. Tomorrow will be a huge test of our will to win. This OR Rush team has never stepped foot on the field with the New Sodium team, and they're in for a rude awakening. If ever a league game will be watched, it's this one. Everyone will be waiting to hear the outcome. This game will set the precedence for the rest of league play. A win will establish Sodium as a contender, a position we know well, and OR Rush as a beatable team.
Tomorrow you will be called upon to dig deep, to bring out the passion you have for the game, for your team. Tomorrow you will elevate your play to the level of true champions. Like the scene when the Spartans [300] were facing the army of the Immortals [thousands]. They were smaller, fewer in numbers but they had heart, anger, the will to win and a never give up attitude. The same attributes I've seen played out by this team time and time again.
Tomorrow you will asked to give 100% for 60 minutes. To leave everything you have on the field, to be a hero. You will have 10 others on the field who will have your back. The time is now to cut loose, to take it to the limits. I know you can do it, I've seen it many times before.
Tomorrow, as you walk on the field of battle, ask yourself, "Who will be the hero?" Every game has one.
As I write this the song, "Fear of the Dark" just came on. How appropriate.
If it is to be, it's up to me
To read the origin of this saying, click here.
GO SODIUM!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Sodium crushes WSM 5-0
In the morning game the lady warriors pinned theirs ears back and were off to the races. The play was, literally all game, on Striker's side of the field. The scoring onslaught began when a drop back pass to Lexi Frey was drilled in from 20+ yards. At about the mid way point Hannah Lautenbach took a pass at the top of the 18-yard box, sliced and diced her way passed 3 WSM defenders before sizzling the back of the net. The crowed cheered as the half came to a close.
The second half started as the first had ended. a midfield pass was taken by Emmy Owens who broke through the Srtiker defenders on her way to the goal. A couple quick touches and Emmy ripped the net. A little past the mid point Hannah again penetrated the WSM defense down the left side. Instead of playing defense the Strikers resorted to getting physical. On this instance, even though she had to leave the game, Hannnah wouldn't take it. On her way to the turf she blasted a rocket off the near post and IN! A little salt with that wound?
Later, just before the final whistle Mac Kearney put the icing on the cake when she took a pass from Laura Nguyen and rifled it passed the WSM goalie. This win was just what the doctor ordered for Sodium after a tough tie the night before.
A great weekend for the lady warriors!
Next up;
The beast from the East; OR Rush 95G Nike on 9/20/08 @ 3:00pm - REC #5
GO SODIUM!
The second half started as the first had ended. a midfield pass was taken by Emmy Owens who broke through the Srtiker defenders on her way to the goal. A couple quick touches and Emmy ripped the net. A little past the mid point Hannah again penetrated the WSM defense down the left side. Instead of playing defense the Strikers resorted to getting physical. On this instance, even though she had to leave the game, Hannnah wouldn't take it. On her way to the turf she blasted a rocket off the near post and IN! A little salt with that wound?
Later, just before the final whistle Mac Kearney put the icing on the cake when she took a pass from Laura Nguyen and rifled it passed the WSM goalie. This win was just what the doctor ordered for Sodium after a tough tie the night before.
A great weekend for the lady warriors!
Next up;
The beast from the East; OR Rush 95G Nike on 9/20/08 @ 3:00pm - REC #5
GO SODIUM!
Sodium takes it to LOSC
What a battle! I can't say much more. When LOSC comes to town you always know the lady warriors are going to bring it! And Saturday was no exception.
The scoreless first half was controlled by the Sodium offense who was relentless in their attack. Midway through, a questionable offsides call negated what would later prove a crucial goal. In the second half it fell on the defense to prove what they were made of. After Sodium took a 1-0 lead off a Lexi Frey free kick from 25 yards out that scorched the far post net, the LOSC offense took fire.
As the Sodium defense will attest, this was nothing shy of a smash-mouth, in your face, second half battle. Bodies flew, whistles blew and the LOSC fans got ugly. By the end of the game the defense had nothing left. Bleeding, bruised and exhausted, the Sodium defense held Extreme to one goal and took home a 1-1 tie.
I am very proud of the team. They pushed themselves to the limit. And even though the score was 1-1 the Sodium team should hold their heads high and know that they gave it their all.
Next up;
WSM Strikers @ REC #2 - 9:00am
GO SODIUM!
The scoreless first half was controlled by the Sodium offense who was relentless in their attack. Midway through, a questionable offsides call negated what would later prove a crucial goal. In the second half it fell on the defense to prove what they were made of. After Sodium took a 1-0 lead off a Lexi Frey free kick from 25 yards out that scorched the far post net, the LOSC offense took fire.
As the Sodium defense will attest, this was nothing shy of a smash-mouth, in your face, second half battle. Bodies flew, whistles blew and the LOSC fans got ugly. By the end of the game the defense had nothing left. Bleeding, bruised and exhausted, the Sodium defense held Extreme to one goal and took home a 1-1 tie.
I am very proud of the team. They pushed themselves to the limit. And even though the score was 1-1 the Sodium team should hold their heads high and know that they gave it their all.
Next up;
WSM Strikers @ REC #2 - 9:00am
GO SODIUM!
Congratulations to Emmy Owens
A heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS goes out to Emmy for being selected onto the USClub Regional Player Identification Program for promising young players. She will travel to Los Angeles in October and participate at the National Training Center home of the LA Galaxy.
WAY TO GO EMMY!
We are very proud of all our Sodium players and when one of them gets some well deserved special recognition, we should all revel in their accomplishments.
We have a special group here and the chemistry is starting to happen. You can feel it on the field. The communication, the passing to a spot you know your teammate will be without thinking about it. The subtle little things that we don't see up in the stands. This sort of thing didn't start to happen really until after the fall season for the team last year. And boy is it fun to watch!!
Next Up;
Sodium vs LOSC Extreme @ PCC #2 - $:30PM kick off.
GO SODIUM!
WAY TO GO EMMY!
We are very proud of all our Sodium players and when one of them gets some well deserved special recognition, we should all revel in their accomplishments.
We have a special group here and the chemistry is starting to happen. You can feel it on the field. The communication, the passing to a spot you know your teammate will be without thinking about it. The subtle little things that we don't see up in the stands. This sort of thing didn't start to happen really until after the fall season for the team last year. And boy is it fun to watch!!
Next Up;
Sodium vs LOSC Extreme @ PCC #2 - $:30PM kick off.
GO SODIUM!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Sodium starts league play with a victory!
The lady warriors faced a tough competitor Sunday in the Keizer Hotshots but crisp passing and total ball control proved to be too much for them.
Sodium hadn't faced the Hotshots since last years semi-finals of the State Cup but the outcome proved to be the same.
Sodium controlled the tempo and the ball as the Keizer team, known for their "kick and chase" style never could mount an attack. With shots bouncing off their goalie, the cross bar and everything else, the Keizer team couldn't handle the quickness and stamina of the improved Sodium team.
With the first half ending scoreless Sodium came out of the blocks in attack mode. The forwards penetrated the Hotshot defense from both the left and right sides. In one of the attacks, originated by Laura Camp, Hannah Lautenbach drove hard down the left side into the box. Her rocket nearly knocked the Keizer goalie down and was just too hot to handle as Emmy Owens was right there to clean up with a goal! If Emmy hadn't finished Payten Sonnen was there, literally in the net, to make sure this one wasn't going anywhere but in!
The defense and mids had another outstanding game shutting the Hotshots down all morning.
An outstanding effort by the entire team as every player contributed to the victory!
In other games:
LOSC-Extreme defeated ESUFC Arsenal 1-0
FC Portland defeated WSM Strikers 2-0
Next Up:
Sodium vs LOSC-Extreme @ PCC #2. 4:30pm on 9/13/08
Proudly we're scream'n: GO SODIUM!
Sodium hadn't faced the Hotshots since last years semi-finals of the State Cup but the outcome proved to be the same.
Sodium controlled the tempo and the ball as the Keizer team, known for their "kick and chase" style never could mount an attack. With shots bouncing off their goalie, the cross bar and everything else, the Keizer team couldn't handle the quickness and stamina of the improved Sodium team.
With the first half ending scoreless Sodium came out of the blocks in attack mode. The forwards penetrated the Hotshot defense from both the left and right sides. In one of the attacks, originated by Laura Camp, Hannah Lautenbach drove hard down the left side into the box. Her rocket nearly knocked the Keizer goalie down and was just too hot to handle as Emmy Owens was right there to clean up with a goal! If Emmy hadn't finished Payten Sonnen was there, literally in the net, to make sure this one wasn't going anywhere but in!
The defense and mids had another outstanding game shutting the Hotshots down all morning.
An outstanding effort by the entire team as every player contributed to the victory!
In other games:
LOSC-Extreme defeated ESUFC Arsenal 1-0
FC Portland defeated WSM Strikers 2-0
Next Up:
Sodium vs LOSC-Extreme @ PCC #2. 4:30pm on 9/13/08
Proudly we're scream'n: GO SODIUM!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Fall League is upon us!
Sodium opens the fall league this Sunday against Keizer Hotshots at 10:30AM @ REC #1.
Sodium hasn't seen Keizer since the semi finals of last years State Cup. Playing on turf has always favored the lady warriors but this year they haven't played a game on turf since, well, forever!
After a little rest since the Chinook Cup and a holiday weekend, Sodium is back on the practice field hot & heavy this week getting back into game shape.
The defense will have their work cut out for them because because Keizer is big and always plays a physical game. Their style is more of a "boot-ball" game where they send the ball towards the goal in hopes their forwards can run it down. Didn't work last year, probably won't work this year but they have beat some good teams. Either way, we'll be there screaming for our sodium!!
From the stands we'll yell: GO SODIUM!
Sodium hasn't seen Keizer since the semi finals of last years State Cup. Playing on turf has always favored the lady warriors but this year they haven't played a game on turf since, well, forever!
After a little rest since the Chinook Cup and a holiday weekend, Sodium is back on the practice field hot & heavy this week getting back into game shape.
The defense will have their work cut out for them because because Keizer is big and always plays a physical game. Their style is more of a "boot-ball" game where they send the ball towards the goal in hopes their forwards can run it down. Didn't work last year, probably won't work this year but they have beat some good teams. Either way, we'll be there screaming for our sodium!!
From the stands we'll yell: GO SODIUM!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Cinook Cup Results: Day 3
I am sorry it took me so long to get these posted but I have been traveling. I know, I know, where are my priorities!!
Also, this will not be a popular post given the level of play witnessed on Sunday. Sorry if I offend anyone but hey, just reporting on what I saw.
The Emerald City squad just flat-out outplayed the Sodium girls today to hand them their second and final loss of the Chinook Cup 3-0.
Afterwards Tom stated that he was more disappointed with the effort he saw on the field than the loss itself. It was very apparent that the girls were just not there today. I will have to tip my hat to the Sodium defense for not letting it get any worse than 3-0. Erika Cook, Alexis Frey, Taylor Coon and Camille Fairbairn battled all day as Emerald City just kept penetrating then dropping the ball back & firing at will.
There was a lot of standing around and no 'Team Defense' that Tom has been working on all season. I will admit that with so many guest players it's hard to gel but their was really no excuse for the lackluster effort we witnessed on Sunday.
Heads up ladies. You can't expect to win every game or every tournament. You can though, expect a little more from each other. All day I heard yells from the defense for the mids and forwards to pick up the "drops" but never saw any effort to do so. You are a team. You win as a team, you lose as a team. You go into battle expecting to have someone there to cover your back so you can give 100% without hesitation. From the sidelines, we didn't see that today. We have witnessed it in the past and we will see it again in the near future. You are a great team with great players. Every great team experiences 'bumps' and we can chalk this up to one. But the important thing here is that we learn. We learn from this that when you, as an individual, are unwilling to give 100% for the team, the entire team suffers. Remember; If it is to be, it's up to me? Sodium is not, like other teams, blessed with one or two stand-out players that carry the team. We are a cohesive unit that needs to play at an elevated level. We need every position to give it there all to be champions. Sodium relies on the entire team to win, not one or two specific players. That means that we ALL must give 100% at every position, every game, every practice. And you will, because you are Sodium and that is 'Sodium Style'.
Overall I will applaud the guest players who came out and gave a great effort this weekend. THANK YOU ladies for playing for us, you did a great job and I'm sure you will get calls in the future should the situation arise again!
Next Up:
A break from the action.
GO SODIUM!!
Also, this will not be a popular post given the level of play witnessed on Sunday. Sorry if I offend anyone but hey, just reporting on what I saw.
The Emerald City squad just flat-out outplayed the Sodium girls today to hand them their second and final loss of the Chinook Cup 3-0.
Afterwards Tom stated that he was more disappointed with the effort he saw on the field than the loss itself. It was very apparent that the girls were just not there today. I will have to tip my hat to the Sodium defense for not letting it get any worse than 3-0. Erika Cook, Alexis Frey, Taylor Coon and Camille Fairbairn battled all day as Emerald City just kept penetrating then dropping the ball back & firing at will.
There was a lot of standing around and no 'Team Defense' that Tom has been working on all season. I will admit that with so many guest players it's hard to gel but their was really no excuse for the lackluster effort we witnessed on Sunday.
Heads up ladies. You can't expect to win every game or every tournament. You can though, expect a little more from each other. All day I heard yells from the defense for the mids and forwards to pick up the "drops" but never saw any effort to do so. You are a team. You win as a team, you lose as a team. You go into battle expecting to have someone there to cover your back so you can give 100% without hesitation. From the sidelines, we didn't see that today. We have witnessed it in the past and we will see it again in the near future. You are a great team with great players. Every great team experiences 'bumps' and we can chalk this up to one. But the important thing here is that we learn. We learn from this that when you, as an individual, are unwilling to give 100% for the team, the entire team suffers. Remember; If it is to be, it's up to me? Sodium is not, like other teams, blessed with one or two stand-out players that carry the team. We are a cohesive unit that needs to play at an elevated level. We need every position to give it there all to be champions. Sodium relies on the entire team to win, not one or two specific players. That means that we ALL must give 100% at every position, every game, every practice. And you will, because you are Sodium and that is 'Sodium Style'.
Overall I will applaud the guest players who came out and gave a great effort this weekend. THANK YOU ladies for playing for us, you did a great job and I'm sure you will get calls in the future should the situation arise again!
Next Up:
A break from the action.
GO SODIUM!!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Chinook Cup Results: Day 3
vs FWU Reign Purple (early game)
The Reign came down Saturday morning as the powerhouse team from Washington handed Sodium their first defeat in 10 games. The win streak was snapped as a Purple forward floated a shot just out of the Sodium keepers reach to break the 1-1 tie late in the game. Hannah Lautenbach scored Sodium's only goal off a Jadyn McMillan shot deflection. As with most of the games, Sodium out-shot their opponent 3 to 1.
vs Columbia Timbers Red (late game)
The Washington teams are proving to be big, fast and pretty skilled. The lady warriors battled the Timbers Red squad all night. Physical play was the norm as bodies hit the turf and the rookie officiating staff had it's hands full. Just before half Laura Camp lined up another deadly corner kick. She took aim and lifted a perfect shot as the Sodium players crashed the net. Camp's shot proved to be accurate as it caught the net just inside the far post for what would later prove to be the winning goal!
With the guest players giving it their all the Sodium squad is playing pretty well. The next opponent, Emerald City, was with Sodium in Hawaii representing Washington and should prove to be a worthy foe.
GO SODIUM!
The Reign came down Saturday morning as the powerhouse team from Washington handed Sodium their first defeat in 10 games. The win streak was snapped as a Purple forward floated a shot just out of the Sodium keepers reach to break the 1-1 tie late in the game. Hannah Lautenbach scored Sodium's only goal off a Jadyn McMillan shot deflection. As with most of the games, Sodium out-shot their opponent 3 to 1.
vs Columbia Timbers Red (late game)
The Washington teams are proving to be big, fast and pretty skilled. The lady warriors battled the Timbers Red squad all night. Physical play was the norm as bodies hit the turf and the rookie officiating staff had it's hands full. Just before half Laura Camp lined up another deadly corner kick. She took aim and lifted a perfect shot as the Sodium players crashed the net. Camp's shot proved to be accurate as it caught the net just inside the far post for what would later prove to be the winning goal!
With the guest players giving it their all the Sodium squad is playing pretty well. The next opponent, Emerald City, was with Sodium in Hawaii representing Washington and should prove to be a worthy foe.
GO SODIUM!
Friday, August 22, 2008
Chinook Cup Results: Day 2
Wow, the Synergy FC Morse is HUGE! Do you think that bothered the lady warriors, not hardly.
Sodium fought a courageous battle against a worthy foe this afternoon. The Synergy was big, physical and had a couple players with tremendous skills. "Oh well" was the reaction from our defense. They shut the Synergy team down all game. Just once did Sodium allow penetration and a score. The midfield play was great, the forwards had the Synergy defense on their heels all day. You have got to love the patience of a championship team. Sodium hammered and hammered and hammered at the goal. The methods Sodium use to traditionally score weren't working so, what do the forwards & mids do? IMPROVISE! If we can't score like we always do, we'll find another way! After a scoreless the first half the play resumed as it had left off, in the Synergy side of the field. In the first minutes Laura Camp ripped a corner kick that was just too hot for the Synergy keeper to handle as it blistered the back of the net. At the mid-way point Payten Sonnen found herself cut off deep on the familiar right side, what does she do? She gives a perfect feed to a waiting Taylor Moscoe who ripped the net on the far post from 20+ yards! Spectacular! That score broke the tie and gave Sodium the advantage. Were they finished? NO WAY! Again, Laura Camp found herself in the coffin corner for a corner kick. Again, perfect. The kick floated into the box where a hustling Hannah Lautenbach was there for the header finish! The crowd went wild! A 3-1 victory! Sodium had won their second match in as many days!
The most impressive statistic you ask? The fact that Sodium is missing a ton of girls and this is the first time this group has ever taken the field, EVER. Sodium is comprised of original team members, players from Lexi Frey's old team the Eugene Magic and from our own U12 Mercury team. THAT folks, makes these victories even more impressive AND sweet!
Great job ladies!
Back Side Run
This is where I get to editorialize for a minute.
From a reliable source I understand the Synergy coach (with clipboard in hand) and a couple of their players were at the Sodium vs Courage game yesterday. They left early with the coach saying; "No problem from these guys." (or something like that) I personally LOVE to be underestimated! Makes victory so sweet!
Secondly, I have to give some special thanks to our gust players.
Eugene Magic - Ashley, Aubrey & Lauren.
THUSC Mercury - Lindsay & Jamie.
These guys came out today and played their hearts out. How many girls would give everything to play with a repeat State Championship team? They didn't have to give 100%, they didn't have to put up with the abuse from the Synergy team, but they did. What does that tell you Sodium? It's all about respect. It's about going out there on the field and giving everything you have. Whether it's for your own team or with a team you're going to be playing against in regular season. It's all about the love of the game and your team. A heartfelt 'THANK YOU' goes out to these ladies, these lady warriors.
Next Up:
Cooks Park #3 - Victim Unknown @ 10:30AM
3PM - Location TBD - Victim Unknown
GO SODIUM!
Sodium fought a courageous battle against a worthy foe this afternoon. The Synergy was big, physical and had a couple players with tremendous skills. "Oh well" was the reaction from our defense. They shut the Synergy team down all game. Just once did Sodium allow penetration and a score. The midfield play was great, the forwards had the Synergy defense on their heels all day. You have got to love the patience of a championship team. Sodium hammered and hammered and hammered at the goal. The methods Sodium use to traditionally score weren't working so, what do the forwards & mids do? IMPROVISE! If we can't score like we always do, we'll find another way! After a scoreless the first half the play resumed as it had left off, in the Synergy side of the field. In the first minutes Laura Camp ripped a corner kick that was just too hot for the Synergy keeper to handle as it blistered the back of the net. At the mid-way point Payten Sonnen found herself cut off deep on the familiar right side, what does she do? She gives a perfect feed to a waiting Taylor Moscoe who ripped the net on the far post from 20+ yards! Spectacular! That score broke the tie and gave Sodium the advantage. Were they finished? NO WAY! Again, Laura Camp found herself in the coffin corner for a corner kick. Again, perfect. The kick floated into the box where a hustling Hannah Lautenbach was there for the header finish! The crowd went wild! A 3-1 victory! Sodium had won their second match in as many days!
The most impressive statistic you ask? The fact that Sodium is missing a ton of girls and this is the first time this group has ever taken the field, EVER. Sodium is comprised of original team members, players from Lexi Frey's old team the Eugene Magic and from our own U12 Mercury team. THAT folks, makes these victories even more impressive AND sweet!
Great job ladies!
Back Side Run
This is where I get to editorialize for a minute.
From a reliable source I understand the Synergy coach (with clipboard in hand) and a couple of their players were at the Sodium vs Courage game yesterday. They left early with the coach saying; "No problem from these guys." (or something like that) I personally LOVE to be underestimated! Makes victory so sweet!
Secondly, I have to give some special thanks to our gust players.
Eugene Magic - Ashley, Aubrey & Lauren.
THUSC Mercury - Lindsay & Jamie.
These guys came out today and played their hearts out. How many girls would give everything to play with a repeat State Championship team? They didn't have to give 100%, they didn't have to put up with the abuse from the Synergy team, but they did. What does that tell you Sodium? It's all about respect. It's about going out there on the field and giving everything you have. Whether it's for your own team or with a team you're going to be playing against in regular season. It's all about the love of the game and your team. A heartfelt 'THANK YOU' goes out to these ladies, these lady warriors.
Next Up:
Cooks Park #3 - Victim Unknown @ 10:30AM
3PM - Location TBD - Victim Unknown
GO SODIUM!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Chinook Cup Results: Day 1
The lady warriors defeated their first opponent, WSA Courage, in the first game of the Chinook Cup. Even though I wasn't there I'm sure Sodium took it to them from the opening whistle.
Next Up:
vs Synergy FC Morse (lost 3-2 to ESU Arsenal) @ Cook Park #4 - @ Noon Friday 8/22
GO SODIUM!
Next Up:
vs Synergy FC Morse (lost 3-2 to ESU Arsenal) @ Cook Park #4 - @ Noon Friday 8/22
GO SODIUM!
US Woman Bring Home GOLD!
Early this morning the US Women's Soccer Team beat Brazil 1-0 to bring home the GOLD MEDAL!
Congratulations to the girls!!
USA, USA, USA, USA!!!
Congratulations to the girls!!
USA, USA, USA, USA!!!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Sodium 'Perfect' in QT's
The lady warriors of Sodium finished the Qualifying Tournament a perfect 8-0 with a 1-0 win over ESU Coventry Sunday. In typical Sodium Style the girls played to the level of their competition only scoring 1 goal on many, many chances. I will say it was spectacular as Lexi Frey headed in a Laura Camp corner kick in the first half for what would prove to be the winning goal. There were really a ton of outstanding performances but to name a few there was Taylor Moscoe, Lexi Frey, Payten Sonnen, Emmy Owens, Elianna Beard, The Laura's, and on and on and on. Really, I could name them all. They really went out and proved in QT's that they are BACK IN BLACK!
Gold Division Teams:
THUSC Sodium
Oregon Rush 95 Girls Nike
Keizer Hotshots
WSM Strikers
FC Portland Platinum 95
LOSC Extreme
ESU Arsenal
EMFC 95 Magic
GO SODIUM!
Corrections
If I have posted anything that is incorrect or not accurate, please send me an email and I will make the corrections. I am only one guy and I miss a few things. There have been goals that were made before I could even get my big fanny in the seat! I try to ask the fans around me what happened and make an assessment from that. So, for the future, just send me an email. On this blog there are no "right or wrong" posts. I call it as I see it. Sometimes my failing eyes don't see it exactly as it happened. In those cases I need a little help from my friends. Thanks loyal Sodium fans! See you at Chinook Cup! Ed
Gold Division Teams:
THUSC Sodium
Oregon Rush 95 Girls Nike
Keizer Hotshots
WSM Strikers
FC Portland Platinum 95
LOSC Extreme
ESU Arsenal
EMFC 95 Magic
GO SODIUM!
Corrections
If I have posted anything that is incorrect or not accurate, please send me an email and I will make the corrections. I am only one guy and I miss a few things. There have been goals that were made before I could even get my big fanny in the seat! I try to ask the fans around me what happened and make an assessment from that. So, for the future, just send me an email. On this blog there are no "right or wrong" posts. I call it as I see it. Sometimes my failing eyes don't see it exactly as it happened. In those cases I need a little help from my friends. Thanks loyal Sodium fans! See you at Chinook Cup! Ed
Saturday, August 16, 2008
iScout Report
Following is the scouting report on ESU Coventry's game against WUSC Flamengo.
Summation
Conditioning. Sodium is in far better shape and will wear the ESU club down with physical play that will last all game. Look for some late scores.
Attack from forwards. Their defense looks young and inexperienced. Our forwards should attack them head on, get physical and they will crumble. Their middle defender is big but slow and unskilled. Score early and they will deflate.
Midfield. If we can contain #24 and #3 we will take away their entire offense. They have a tendency to make wild kicks. If Sodium can control the ball and tempo (something the Laura's are exceptional at!) we will control the entire game.
Defense. What can I say, "EAT'em Up"! We are 4 inches taller and 15 lbs heavier on average. Stop #3 & #24 (she is physical) we will shut down their offense. Set the stage early with physical defense and the ESU forwards will not want to go near our goal.
You should be chomp'n at the bit to get on the field against this team. Don't under estimate them, but if you give 100% for 60 minutes, you should come away with a victory!
GO SODIUM!
- You have to wonder about a team where the crowed cheers when they put a string of 2 or 3 passes together.
- Average in size. 2 or 3 girls are stout.
- Flamengo scored on a poorly executed corner kick. A lot of ESU standing around.
- #24 midfielder is big and physical. No one to help her out though.
- Defensive players are average. Middle is big but not aggressive. #12 is fast but lacks foot skills.
- #3 forward is not big but plays physical and has good foot skills. Again, no one there to compliment her skills.
- ESU scored on a corner. No real plan of attack just a mosh pit in front of goal with swinging legs.
- Keeper is small but pretty fast.
- WUSC scored on a PK.
- #23 forward is big but lacks skills.
- Girls real sluggish in spite of water breaks every 15 minutes.
Summation
Conditioning. Sodium is in far better shape and will wear the ESU club down with physical play that will last all game. Look for some late scores.
Attack from forwards. Their defense looks young and inexperienced. Our forwards should attack them head on, get physical and they will crumble. Their middle defender is big but slow and unskilled. Score early and they will deflate.
Midfield. If we can contain #24 and #3 we will take away their entire offense. They have a tendency to make wild kicks. If Sodium can control the ball and tempo (something the Laura's are exceptional at!) we will control the entire game.
Defense. What can I say, "EAT'em Up"! We are 4 inches taller and 15 lbs heavier on average. Stop #3 & #24 (she is physical) we will shut down their offense. Set the stage early with physical defense and the ESU forwards will not want to go near our goal.
You should be chomp'n at the bit to get on the field against this team. Don't under estimate them, but if you give 100% for 60 minutes, you should come away with a victory!
GO SODIUM!
Sodium continues roll through QT
Friday, 8/15 vs WUSC Flamengo
The lady warriors won their 7th game of the 2008/2009 Qualifying Tournament (6 by shutout!) to lead all brackets with a perfect 10 points!
The game opened up in typical Sodium Style as Emmy Owens took a pass and streaked the distance for the opening goal! The fans hadn't even settled in their seats yet as she ripped the net in the first 30 seconds! As was the case in games past, 90% of the play was confined to the Flamengo end. Twice during the game Flamengo's had free kicks. the first was deflected over the cross bar by Laura Camp. The second was deflected off the cross bar by Sodium keeper Camille Fairbairn and cleared by Taylor Coon. Sodium dodged a couple bullets but kept the pressure where it belonged, on the WUSC goalie. The second half started with Sodiums lead still 1-0. That's when Payten "Wheels" Sonnen caught fire! Twice during the second half Payten out-hustled the WUSC defense to rip the net. The Sodium front line delivered an outstanding job all game long! The newly crowned 'EAT' defense shut the Flamengo forwards down in typical, physical Sodium Style. Special recognition goes out to both Lexi Frey and Mac Kearney as they showed exceptional hustle and guts on a blisteringly hot afternoon. Hats off to the entire team, they played great and showed why they put in those hours of extra conditioning as the Flamengo showed signs of wear & tear at the end.
Next Up:
Sunday, 8/17 vs ESU Coventry @ Rec #5. 1:30pm.
See the scouting report to follow.
GO SODIUM!
The lady warriors won their 7th game of the 2008/2009 Qualifying Tournament (6 by shutout!) to lead all brackets with a perfect 10 points!
The game opened up in typical Sodium Style as Emmy Owens took a pass and streaked the distance for the opening goal! The fans hadn't even settled in their seats yet as she ripped the net in the first 30 seconds! As was the case in games past, 90% of the play was confined to the Flamengo end. Twice during the game Flamengo's had free kicks. the first was deflected over the cross bar by Laura Camp. The second was deflected off the cross bar by Sodium keeper Camille Fairbairn and cleared by Taylor Coon. Sodium dodged a couple bullets but kept the pressure where it belonged, on the WUSC goalie. The second half started with Sodiums lead still 1-0. That's when Payten "Wheels" Sonnen caught fire! Twice during the second half Payten out-hustled the WUSC defense to rip the net. The Sodium front line delivered an outstanding job all game long! The newly crowned 'EAT' defense shut the Flamengo forwards down in typical, physical Sodium Style. Special recognition goes out to both Lexi Frey and Mac Kearney as they showed exceptional hustle and guts on a blisteringly hot afternoon. Hats off to the entire team, they played great and showed why they put in those hours of extra conditioning as the Flamengo showed signs of wear & tear at the end.
Next Up:
Sunday, 8/17 vs ESU Coventry @ Rec #5. 1:30pm.
See the scouting report to follow.
GO SODIUM!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Men's US Olympic Soccer Team
The US men's team was knocked out today by Nigeria. Within the first 3 minutes a US player received a red card for a cheap elbow. What I want to comment on here is not the first 3 minutes where errors in judgement were made, but what happened the next 87.
Given the fact they played with 10 players, the team never gave up. Granted, some couldn't walk off the field. They played the last 4 minutes as hard, if not harder, than the first 4. They Scored late in the game and had numerous opportunities fall short to tie the game. This team ran on heart and emotion, on guts and a belief that they could/would win regardless of their situation. They never gave up or backed down to their opponent.
This, lady warriors, is what I try to convey to you week in and week out. To never stop giving 100%. If you are down by 5 or up by 5, never let up or give up. Put the pedal to the metal the entire game. I saw you do it against PCU Impact. Down by a goal early you never let up. You pushed yourself again and again until you had scored 2, and won. That is a sign of a true team. A true champion.
Just like the men's team, never stop believing, never stop pushing, never stop giving 100%. I am so looking forward to this coming weekend.
GO SODIUM!
Given the fact they played with 10 players, the team never gave up. Granted, some couldn't walk off the field. They played the last 4 minutes as hard, if not harder, than the first 4. They Scored late in the game and had numerous opportunities fall short to tie the game. This team ran on heart and emotion, on guts and a belief that they could/would win regardless of their situation. They never gave up or backed down to their opponent.
This, lady warriors, is what I try to convey to you week in and week out. To never stop giving 100%. If you are down by 5 or up by 5, never let up or give up. Put the pedal to the metal the entire game. I saw you do it against PCU Impact. Down by a goal early you never let up. You pushed yourself again and again until you had scored 2, and won. That is a sign of a true team. A true champion.
Just like the men's team, never stop believing, never stop pushing, never stop giving 100%. I am so looking forward to this coming weekend.
GO SODIUM!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
PQT Breakdown
The moment you've been waiting for, the who what & when of PQT for Sodium!
WUSC Flamengo OK, right off I'm thinking not a real aggressive, fierce bird. Couldn't they have been the Hawks or Scream'n Eagles? Anyway, in the QT they were 3-2-0 with 5 goals for, 6 against and a total of 26 points. They were in the A bracket with OR Rush Nike, Sherwood Force and our own THUSC Platinum. They were 3rd out of 6. I'm thinking if we bring our 'A' game, no sweat. If we play to their level, sweat.
ESU Coventry We played these guys in the past, no contender. But, on any given day, who knows. That's why we play the game. They were 1-2-2 at QT with 4 goals for and 8 against for a total of 19 points. 4th place out of 6 in their bracket with LOSC Extreme and (Lexi's old team) EMFC Magic from Eugene.
Schedule
First game; vs WUSC Flamengo's on Friday, 8/15 @ 1PM at REC #4.
Second game; vs ESU Coventry on Sunday, 8/17 @ 1:30PM at REC #5.
Here we go lady warriors, the brackets are set and we are looking good. Keep up the intensity from last weekend and we will roll over these teams into the Gold Bracket!!
Don't take anything for granted! Play Sodium Style all weekend and we will be victorious.
Remember, 15 girls giving 100% for 60 minutes. We are bigger, faster, stronger and fiercer than these two teams. You have to want it more, you have to smell their fear and make their nightmares come true. Score early and often and take no prisoners at any time. "Trample the weak and hurdle the dead" was a great bumper-sticker I saw, but it couldn't hold truer this coming weekend. Be "In It To Win It" Sodium, and you will.
You gotta believe in Sodium. We do.
WUSC Flamengo OK, right off I'm thinking not a real aggressive, fierce bird. Couldn't they have been the Hawks or Scream'n Eagles? Anyway, in the QT they were 3-2-0 with 5 goals for, 6 against and a total of 26 points. They were in the A bracket with OR Rush Nike, Sherwood Force and our own THUSC Platinum. They were 3rd out of 6. I'm thinking if we bring our 'A' game, no sweat. If we play to their level, sweat.
ESU Coventry We played these guys in the past, no contender. But, on any given day, who knows. That's why we play the game. They were 1-2-2 at QT with 4 goals for and 8 against for a total of 19 points. 4th place out of 6 in their bracket with LOSC Extreme and (Lexi's old team) EMFC Magic from Eugene.
Schedule
First game; vs WUSC Flamengo's on Friday, 8/15 @ 1PM at REC #4.
Second game; vs ESU Coventry on Sunday, 8/17 @ 1:30PM at REC #5.
Here we go lady warriors, the brackets are set and we are looking good. Keep up the intensity from last weekend and we will roll over these teams into the Gold Bracket!!
Don't take anything for granted! Play Sodium Style all weekend and we will be victorious.
Remember, 15 girls giving 100% for 60 minutes. We are bigger, faster, stronger and fiercer than these two teams. You have to want it more, you have to smell their fear and make their nightmares come true. Score early and often and take no prisoners at any time. "Trample the weak and hurdle the dead" was a great bumper-sticker I saw, but it couldn't hold truer this coming weekend. Be "In It To Win It" Sodium, and you will.
You gotta believe in Sodium. We do.
Monday, August 11, 2008
QT Wrap Up
Here is a summation of just how well Sodium did last weekend at QT's.
Next up:
PQT's at the REC next weekend. I will post when the schedule is complete.
This will be our hardest test yet. I think we are playing good at the right time but this weekend will test our metal against some really good teams. If we play Sodium Style of ball, get out and score early, we can take this team to the next level. Stay focused lady warriors, maintain that killer instinct and attitude and you will emerge from this weekend victorious. Think of the hard work you've put in, of the commitment and sacrifices you've made to get here. Take all the faith we have in you and believe, believe you are the best, believe you can do miraculous things. Believe in yourself and your team.
You are Sodium.
- Sodium had the highest number of points of any team with 56.
- Sodium was the only 6 game team that was undefeated.
- Sodium scored 27 goals.
- Sodium allowed only 1 goal all weekend.
- Sodium only trailed once in 6 games.
- No red or yellow cards.
Next up:
PQT's at the REC next weekend. I will post when the schedule is complete.
This will be our hardest test yet. I think we are playing good at the right time but this weekend will test our metal against some really good teams. If we play Sodium Style of ball, get out and score early, we can take this team to the next level. Stay focused lady warriors, maintain that killer instinct and attitude and you will emerge from this weekend victorious. Think of the hard work you've put in, of the commitment and sacrifices you've made to get here. Take all the faith we have in you and believe, believe you are the best, believe you can do miraculous things. Believe in yourself and your team.
You are Sodium.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
QT Results Day 3
Salmon Creek Nemesis 95:
What was thought was going to be Sodium's toughest challenge thus far, the lady warriors took on the Nemesis. Right out of the gate the battle was on! Sodium's fast acting offense was relentless in it's attack of the goal. Just before half Hannah Lautenbach worked the ball down the left side. A perfect cross to Payten Sonnen who was flying in from the right side resulted in a 1-0 Sodium lead at half. The second started off with Sodium being awarded a corner kick. Laura Camp lined up and delivered
a great ball to the net. Alertly she followed her kick and, after the ball being bounced around, had a second opportunity that she capitalized on! Sodium up 2-0! The Sodium defense, dubbed the EAT defense because of the way they chew up and spit out offenses (it also stands for Erika, Alexis and Taylor) had another outstanding day, totally shutting down the power-packed Nemesis offense. Midway through the second half Sodium's forwards were blistering the Nemesis keeper. One deflected off the goalie and Mac Kearney was there to blast it home for a 3-0 lead! The crowed (and players) were sensing another shut out and going wild! To put the exclamation point on the game, Payten Sonnen drove the ball deep down the right side, reversed direction, then cleared a perfect cross to an awaiting Marisa Reid who drilled it home! Marisa's goal proved to be the last as time ran out and Sodium posted yet another shut-out!
WSM Firestorm:
Sodium deserved a little time off after 5 straight wins. They found it with WSM. Boy, where do I start. I will list the goals as they occurred;
1) Laura Camp corner kick to Lexi Frey
2) Laura Camp pk to Lexi Frey
3) Lexi Frey cross to Hannah Lautenbach
4) Jadyn McMillan assist to Camille Fairbairn (powered it in!)
5) Payten Sonnen on a break
6) Taylor Coon assist to Laura Nguyen
7) Erika Cook on a break
8) Taylor Coon in front of goal
9) Laura Nguyen in front of net
10) Marisa Reid assist to Camille Fairbairn
That's right folks, 10-0 was the score!!! We haven't scored 10 goals in one game since we beat Hillsboro Crush in last years QT tournament! We had so many players playing in so many different positions. We had the speed package, the 'Big Kahuna' package. The Mighty Mights and any and all other combination you can think of. We threw all these packages in and STILL scored. Tom finally told the team they had to have at least 5 touches before they shot!
The girls are firing on all cylinders and really playing well. Sodium is passing the ball better than we have seen in awhile. Communication is outstanding! The offense is showing patience, not panicking when behind, picking apart defenses and attacking the goal. The defense is melodic as they collapse, double team and disassemble opponents offenses. It is really a thing of beauty.
Next up: PQT next weekend at REC. Schedule will follow.
In awe, your fans and parents yell: GO SODIUM!
What was thought was going to be Sodium's toughest challenge thus far, the lady warriors took on the Nemesis. Right out of the gate the battle was on! Sodium's fast acting offense was relentless in it's attack of the goal. Just before half Hannah Lautenbach worked the ball down the left side. A perfect cross to Payten Sonnen who was flying in from the right side resulted in a 1-0 Sodium lead at half. The second started off with Sodium being awarded a corner kick. Laura Camp lined up and delivered
a great ball to the net. Alertly she followed her kick and, after the ball being bounced around, had a second opportunity that she capitalized on! Sodium up 2-0! The Sodium defense, dubbed the EAT defense because of the way they chew up and spit out offenses (it also stands for Erika, Alexis and Taylor) had another outstanding day, totally shutting down the power-packed Nemesis offense. Midway through the second half Sodium's forwards were blistering the Nemesis keeper. One deflected off the goalie and Mac Kearney was there to blast it home for a 3-0 lead! The crowed (and players) were sensing another shut out and going wild! To put the exclamation point on the game, Payten Sonnen drove the ball deep down the right side, reversed direction, then cleared a perfect cross to an awaiting Marisa Reid who drilled it home! Marisa's goal proved to be the last as time ran out and Sodium posted yet another shut-out!
WSM Firestorm:
Sodium deserved a little time off after 5 straight wins. They found it with WSM. Boy, where do I start. I will list the goals as they occurred;
1) Laura Camp corner kick to Lexi Frey
2) Laura Camp pk to Lexi Frey
3) Lexi Frey cross to Hannah Lautenbach
4) Jadyn McMillan assist to Camille Fairbairn (powered it in!)
5) Payten Sonnen on a break
6) Taylor Coon assist to Laura Nguyen
7) Erika Cook on a break
8) Taylor Coon in front of goal
9) Laura Nguyen in front of net
10) Marisa Reid assist to Camille Fairbairn
That's right folks, 10-0 was the score!!! We haven't scored 10 goals in one game since we beat Hillsboro Crush in last years QT tournament! We had so many players playing in so many different positions. We had the speed package, the 'Big Kahuna' package. The Mighty Mights and any and all other combination you can think of. We threw all these packages in and STILL scored. Tom finally told the team they had to have at least 5 touches before they shot!
The girls are firing on all cylinders and really playing well. Sodium is passing the ball better than we have seen in awhile. Communication is outstanding! The offense is showing patience, not panicking when behind, picking apart defenses and attacking the goal. The defense is melodic as they collapse, double team and disassemble opponents offenses. It is really a thing of beauty.
Next up: PQT next weekend at REC. Schedule will follow.
In awe, your fans and parents yell: GO SODIUM!
QT Results Day 2
PCU Impact:
I thought Sodium plays physical, WoW. The Impact team was the most physical team, in every position, that Sodium has faced thus far. The lady warriors battled and battled them giving them a taste of their own medicine. On one occasion Impact penetrated to just outside the drew a pk. Sodiums wall couldn't stop the PCU's forward from finding the net and leaving Sodium with an 0-1 deficit at the half. Three minutes into the second half Emmy Owens, breaking deep into Impact territory, sliced a shot into the net! The crowed went wild but PCU did not. Moments later they were back at it. Bodies were hitting the turf hard. With under 2 minutes left in the game Laura Camp set up on the left hand side to deliver a corner kick. She waited for her teammates to get set, then delivered an incredible right to left breaking corner kick into the upper part of the net for the WIN!!! Sodium's come from behind victory gave them three in a row! The crowed went wild!
OSA Shock:
There were so many missed shots during this game I lost count. I would say it was in the 30 range. In the first half Payten Sonnen drove deep into Shock territory before drilling a shot off the keeper that an alert Hannah Lautenbach finished into the back of the net. After the half Sodium struck quick. Laura Nguyen fed a perfect pass to Mac Kearney drilled it past the OSA keeper for a 2-0 lead. After missing another 10 or 15 shots Jadyn McMillan was working the right when she fed Erika Cook at the 20 yard mark. Erika loaded up and fired a perfect shot into the upper right corner of the net for the games third and final goal. Camille Fairbairn only the touched the once in the first half as the defense dropped it to her to clear and Laura Nguyen only touched it once in the second half when OSA cleared it from mid-field.
Sodium is on a roll with 4 tournament wins, 3 by shut-out.
Next Up:
Salmon Creek Nemesis @ 10am - field #3
WSM Firestorm @ 1pm - field #3
GO SODIUM!
I thought Sodium plays physical, WoW. The Impact team was the most physical team, in every position, that Sodium has faced thus far. The lady warriors battled and battled them giving them a taste of their own medicine. On one occasion Impact penetrated to just outside the drew a pk. Sodiums wall couldn't stop the PCU's forward from finding the net and leaving Sodium with an 0-1 deficit at the half. Three minutes into the second half Emmy Owens, breaking deep into Impact territory, sliced a shot into the net! The crowed went wild but PCU did not. Moments later they were back at it. Bodies were hitting the turf hard. With under 2 minutes left in the game Laura Camp set up on the left hand side to deliver a corner kick. She waited for her teammates to get set, then delivered an incredible right to left breaking corner kick into the upper part of the net for the WIN!!! Sodium's come from behind victory gave them three in a row! The crowed went wild!
OSA Shock:
There were so many missed shots during this game I lost count. I would say it was in the 30 range. In the first half Payten Sonnen drove deep into Shock territory before drilling a shot off the keeper that an alert Hannah Lautenbach finished into the back of the net. After the half Sodium struck quick. Laura Nguyen fed a perfect pass to Mac Kearney drilled it past the OSA keeper for a 2-0 lead. After missing another 10 or 15 shots Jadyn McMillan was working the right when she fed Erika Cook at the 20 yard mark. Erika loaded up and fired a perfect shot into the upper right corner of the net for the games third and final goal. Camille Fairbairn only the touched the once in the first half as the defense dropped it to her to clear and Laura Nguyen only touched it once in the second half when OSA cleared it from mid-field.
Sodium is on a roll with 4 tournament wins, 3 by shut-out.
Next Up:
Salmon Creek Nemesis @ 10am - field #3
WSM Firestorm @ 1pm - field #3
GO SODIUM!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
2 teams plagued with 'Black Death' at QT's
The lady warriors of Sodium (aka Black Death) proved to the Smack Talk'n SSC Hotspur team that yes, we are your worst nightmare. No need for additional motivation when the other team is already talking about you. Every year Sodium, when faced with an opponent who is talking trash before the game, has risen to give that team a well deserved beat down. Well, this years team is no exception.
Sodium dominated play from the opening whistle and never looked back. Our defense is running on all cylinders and our offense has had more opportunities to score than ever. The girls are coming together as a team and their play is reflecting it. During one of the mad rushes at the Hotspur net the ball came across goal where an alert and waiting Hannah Lautenbach rocketed the net with authority, giving Hotspur a little 'in your face' exclamation. Sodium again controlled the second half as time ran out giving them a 1-0 win and 8 tournament points.
In the afternoon game Sodium faced a newly formed Alameda NEU Fusion team. Before I could pull out my blackberry and put my fanny in the folding chair Jadyn McMillan had scored her first goal! The flood gates were opening folks, you could hear it. Minutes later Emmy Owens was penetrating deep into the right corner (normally reserved for Payten Sonnen) when she ripped a cross box shot into the net passed the diving keeper. The crowed went nuts! We could feel that this was going to be a 'Break Out' game from the start. Remember there is only 20 minutes halves during this weeks QT games so, with about 7 minutes left, Taylor Moscoe lined up a corner kick. She ripped the ball to the net, a scrum ensued, the ball squirted into the air where a jumping Jadyn one-touched it into the net! With big smiles Sodium raced back to midfield, they smelled blood and wanted more! A group of aggressive forwards were pounding the Fusion defense when the whistle blew for a pk. From 25 yards out a confident Erika Cook lined up the attempt. The goalie looked nervous as Erika approached the ball. BOOM! A perfect right to left rotation past the outstretched keepers arms and into the upper the left corner of the net!! A perfect shot! Again the Sodium faithful were on their feet going crazy!! Hugs all the way around as the whistle blew indicating half.
Second half same as the first. Right out of the gate Hannah Lautenbach chipped one in from the right side. Then, minutes later, Lexi Frey (who moved from defense to mid) intercepted a Fusion pass-back to goalie. One touch and a head fake past the goalie and Lexi was looking at an empty net as she escorted the ball into it. Lexi has proved she is a great addition to the squad. To add "Salt" to the wound the 7th and final goal came on a Taylor Moscoe corner that glanced off a Fusion player into the net for an 'own goal' to end the game. Sodium 7, Alameda 0 for an additional 10 tournament points and 18 points for the day to lead the bracket. Overall the ladies are playing great!
Next up:
PCU Impact (lost 3-0 to WSM Firestorm) - 1PM @ Whitaker #C
OSA Shock (tied Fusion 0-0) - 6pm @ Whitaker #D
From the pastures we yell: GO SODIUM!
Sodium dominated play from the opening whistle and never looked back. Our defense is running on all cylinders and our offense has had more opportunities to score than ever. The girls are coming together as a team and their play is reflecting it. During one of the mad rushes at the Hotspur net the ball came across goal where an alert and waiting Hannah Lautenbach rocketed the net with authority, giving Hotspur a little 'in your face' exclamation. Sodium again controlled the second half as time ran out giving them a 1-0 win and 8 tournament points.
In the afternoon game Sodium faced a newly formed Alameda NEU Fusion team. Before I could pull out my blackberry and put my fanny in the folding chair Jadyn McMillan had scored her first goal! The flood gates were opening folks, you could hear it. Minutes later Emmy Owens was penetrating deep into the right corner (normally reserved for Payten Sonnen) when she ripped a cross box shot into the net passed the diving keeper. The crowed went nuts! We could feel that this was going to be a 'Break Out' game from the start. Remember there is only 20 minutes halves during this weeks QT games so, with about 7 minutes left, Taylor Moscoe lined up a corner kick. She ripped the ball to the net, a scrum ensued, the ball squirted into the air where a jumping Jadyn one-touched it into the net! With big smiles Sodium raced back to midfield, they smelled blood and wanted more! A group of aggressive forwards were pounding the Fusion defense when the whistle blew for a pk. From 25 yards out a confident Erika Cook lined up the attempt. The goalie looked nervous as Erika approached the ball. BOOM! A perfect right to left rotation past the outstretched keepers arms and into the upper the left corner of the net!! A perfect shot! Again the Sodium faithful were on their feet going crazy!! Hugs all the way around as the whistle blew indicating half.
Second half same as the first. Right out of the gate Hannah Lautenbach chipped one in from the right side. Then, minutes later, Lexi Frey (who moved from defense to mid) intercepted a Fusion pass-back to goalie. One touch and a head fake past the goalie and Lexi was looking at an empty net as she escorted the ball into it. Lexi has proved she is a great addition to the squad. To add "Salt" to the wound the 7th and final goal came on a Taylor Moscoe corner that glanced off a Fusion player into the net for an 'own goal' to end the game. Sodium 7, Alameda 0 for an additional 10 tournament points and 18 points for the day to lead the bracket. Overall the ladies are playing great!
Next up:
PCU Impact (lost 3-0 to WSM Firestorm) - 1PM @ Whitaker #C
OSA Shock (tied Fusion 0-0) - 6pm @ Whitaker #D
From the pastures we yell: GO SODIUM!
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