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.

• 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.

In addition, I might add that their coach [and some fans] was very loud and often abusive to the players. He yelled at his players, their players, the refs. You name it. Not a very class act.

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!