Sodium gets Physical in Washington

Sodium took a little road trip last weekend to Orchards Washington's Harmony Sports Complex to take on The Columbia Pacific Timbers Red U12B & U13G teams. Even though they were a good 6-12 inches shorter, the U12B team gave Sodium a run for their money Saturday. The lopsided officiating and physical play proved to be about as much as Sodium could handle as tempers flared and Sodium put the hammer down on a couple Timbers. "Don't even think of entering the 18-yard box" as the Sodium defense tightened and bodies began to fly. Only one yellow card was issued in the 2-2 tie, (Timber for slide tackling from behind).
Sundays game proved to be an exciting match up. Although the Columbia team was bigger, they proved to be no match for 2 time State Champions. Early in the first half, Bailey Hall launched a free kick from about 25 yards out which was met with a header from an alert Hannah Lautenbach. Her header crossed the net passed an outstretched Red goalie right to Jadyn McMillan who finished it into the back of the net! Just before half Erika Cook, who is playing very well, ripped the net on a break-a-way securing a 2-1 half-time lead. Play remained locked as the Warrior Girls battled the Columbia team. Late in the final period, as Sodium came crashing into the Red goal box, Bailey Hall launched another chip shot from 20 yards. The Red Goalie, obviously feeling the heat from the Sodium forwards, mishandled the ball and Jadyn McMillan was there again to punish the Columbia team with a goal! Later in the game, after a flurry of shots, the Columbia team managed one more goal past a diving Camille Fairbairn. Both Sodium goalies had exceptional games this weekend.
Overall I would say this was a good, productive weekend for Sodium. They got in some good old fashioned 'Sodium Style' play mixed with a more finesse game. The girls shined, played their game and should feel good about the work they got this weekend. The newer players played great this weekend and are getting settled in for the '08-'09 season which should prove to be a good one.

Up Next:
I know we play FC Vancouver (WA) on 6/7 but there was also talk of other games. As I find out, I will post.

Until next time: GO SODIUM!