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!

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

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!

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!

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

Championship Game
Sunday 11/16/08 @ 12 pm - REC #1

From the sidelines we yell: GO SODIUM!