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!
Monday, November 17, 2008
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
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