State Cup thoughts...

While watching the Blazers crush Shaq and the Suns last night there were a series of commercials shown that consisted of slow motion NBA plays. The scenes were black & white but the player involved in the action, his jersey was highlighted with vibrant color. There was no audio but after the play, across the screen came a quote.


The one that struck me as most relevant was;
"Where will amazing happen this year?"


I started thinking about it and wanted to bring you back to 2008;

First Round: Sodium vs ESU Arsenal - Turning point; Payten Sonnen to Katherine Kramer to Emmy Owens late in the second half giving Sodium a 1-0 win.

Second Round: Sodium vs LOSC Extreme @ Lake Oswego. Payten Sonnen and Jadyn McMillan each score. Girls coming off the bench with wild abandonment. Turning point; Bethany Hall & Taylor Coon double team and crush an Extreme forward, shutting down a momentum building LOSC drive. Sodium wins 2-0.

Third Round: Sodium vs FC Portland - In PK's Kristin Boone elevates her game and body as she deflects the winning goal off the cross bar, boosting Sodium to the Semi's with a 1-0 win.

Semi Finals: Sodium vs Keizer - With 50 seconds left, crashing Sodium mids present Bailey Hall with a perfect pass for her to blast past the Hotshot keeper for a 1-0 win and a spot in the State Championship game.

Championship Game: Sodium vs FC Portland - After setting goals the night before, Marisa Reid realizes hers as she racks up a pair of goals, giving Sodium back-to-back State Championships with a 2-0 win.

The 2009 season has been chalked full of amazing moments. To many to recall at this point. Our focus needs to remain on the amazing moments to come. Who will provide the spark, the excitement, the game changing plays that turn the tide and raise Sodium to excellence? Will it be Camille with a game saving stop? A long goal from the mid position? A corner kick that results in a Sodium player giving everything she has to head it in? A break-a-way where our forward blasts it past a keeper? And who will supply these amazing moments? Who will be the hero in this years State Cup?
Enter into each game lady warriors with the confidence and attitude that it will be 'ME'! That if it is to be, it's up to me. That You will be that one we are cheering for. That You will be the one that wins the 50/50 that leads to a goal. That You will be the one that stops the opponents break-a-way or provides the perfect pass for the winning goal. You have the heart, you have the talent and the coach to lead Oregon again this year Sodium. As you stride into Rogue Valley on April 11th, know that you are the team to beat, know that you need to bring your 'A' game each and every match, know that you will not give up or give in. Bring the Sodium style and attitude that will not be beat, can not be beat. Remember going into Lake Oswego last year? Remember what was pulsating through your veins? To go into LO's house in the second round and decisively beating them at every position. To leave them standing there wondering just what happened. To have girls come off the bench and play with such ferocity and attack them from every position. THAT is the Sodium Style we know and love.

Expect no less than excellence from yourself and your team. Be the best you can every practice, every game, every day. Push yourself and your team mates to leave it all on the field every game. If you can do that, lady warriors, you truly will be champions.

Leave no doubt.

GO SODIUM!