The tradition Continues...

Back in 2007 a rag-tag bunch of 10 and 11 year old girls took field #3 at the REC Center to take on an enormous challenge. They were facing a bigger, faster, more experienced LO team for the State Championship. They had a mediocre season but had rallied at the end to make their mark. And now, on this May afternoon, they faced their biggest challenge ever. There coach, Ronnie. The team, Sodium.
They knew they were in for a fight, a battle like none other they had faced. The field was packed with Sodium faithful, team Platinum and a ton of United fans.
This group pulled together like none we'd seen, and in the end, after the dust had settled and the shoot out was over, Sodium had emerged victorious.

Little did we know that this was the start of something very special.

In 2008, with the addition of some very talented players, Sodium was a year older, bigger, faster and came with a whole lot more attitude. They coined phrases like 'Lady Warriors' and 'Trample the weak, hurdle the dead'. They possessed huge hearts, dedication and an In Your Face attitude. And through all the blood, sweat and tears, Sodium found themselves again playing for the State Championship in May. With Ronnie at the helm they faced their arch rival,FC Portland, on REC field #5. They set goals before the game and no one lived up to theirs more than Marisa Reid who scored 2 unanswered goals. They rose up like true champions, Sodium put together 60 minutes of near flawless soccer to take home the State Championship and solidify their #1 spot representing Oregon atRegionals in Hawaii. They truly were, Back in Black.

And now...2009

With the loss of talent at several key positions and a new coach, some feared Sodium may not be back. Oh boy, did the "Rookies" prove the skeptics wrong!! Tom moved some veterans and strategically placed the new blood into positions that utilized their strengths. After a few games to get acclimated the new squad started to gel. The 2009 Sodium team brings quickness, speed and technique to compliment the physical play grounded in the Sodium spirit. The threat to score from nearly every position and confidence that the 'EAT' defense will shut down any opposing attack is a serious 1 - 2 punch for this team. That fact was evident recently in the Blue Mountain Exchange where Sodium outscored the opposition 10 to 0 to take home the crown.

This Sodium team has the potential to follow the same footsteps as other great United teams like NEON. Winning State Championships and having great showings at Regionals. They have the heart, the dedication, the skills and the coach to go a long way.

Keep fighting lady warriors for everything you earn. Never give up or give in. Put your heart and sole in, and leave it all on the field. You have an opportunity here to advance the legacy of Sodium to a new level. Commit to being the best every practice, every game, every day. And you will be.

I will leave you with a saying we referred to often during State Cup last year; "Every game has a hero, who will it be today?" Who will rise up in 2009?

Look for the 'Motivation' post and links to past motivational posts as we approach State Cup.

GO SODIUM!