Sodium opens State Cup with a decisive win

Like a boxer feeling out his opponent in a prize fight, Sodium jabbed, countered and danced in the first half, exposing weaknesses and strengths in the very big, aggressive RVSC Power Striker team. As the half was coming to a close you could tell the lady warriors had the information they needed to plan their attack as play was confined to the Rogue Valley end of the field for the last 5 minutes. Rogue Valley only had 2 shots on goals in the first half compared to Sodium's 9.
Tom made some adjustments at the break as Sodium came out with a vengeance. Hannah Lautenbach was blazing deep into Power Striker territory when she was mugged in the 18 yard box leading to a Sodium PK. Laura Camp lined it up, stutter-stepped and fired a rocket just under the cross bar and out of the keepers reach giving Sodium the 1-0 advantage! As the second half progressed so did the Sodium attack. Lexi Frey [from left defense] decided she wanted to be part of the action as she drove the ball coast-to-coast. From 20 yards out she chipped a shot just over the outstretched arms of the RVSC keeper where Emmy Owens awaited to crash with the ball into the net! From my angle it looked like the shot was in and Emmy was in the net but others say that Emmy shot it in so, I am awarding each of them the goal! A true team effort! Sodium up 2-0. Later in the half our newest member, Aliyah Chance [who had a great game!] placed a perfect pass to a charging MAC Kearney who finished by blasting the back of the net! Sodium up 3-0. Literally 2 minutes later Lexi Frey was lining up for one of her patented corner kicks. She let it fly, there was mosh pit in front of the net, the ball was cleared back out to Lexi who launched it again, over the crowed, to an awaiting Jadyn McMillan who stuffed it in for a Sodium 4-0 romp. And, to add a little "Sodium" to the wound, Emmy drove deep into the box, drilled a shot off the RV keeper and Hannah was there to mop up for the 5th and final score. Rogue Valley also racked up a couple yellow cards in the match to add insult to injury.

Sodium is starting to file fire on all cylinders just as the State Cup is getting underway. Let's keep the momentum as Eugene Magic comes to town next weekend.

In other bracket games;
Sherwood 3, Aloha 2

In other State Cup Games
FC Portland 4, PCU 0
LOSC 3, Arsenal 0
Rush 3, Hotspur 0
Keizer 6, Oregon City 1
And our friends WSM Strikers 0, LOSC Harambee[B squad] 0

Great job ladies! Remember your goals and your teammates goals and let's have a great week of practice. Always strive to be better. Every practice, every game, every day.

From somewhere on I-5 the parents are yelling: GO SODIUM!

Together with family & friends, the Coons wish everyone Happy Easter!