State Cup Game #1 vs PSA

We have a very tough first opponent in PSA who has been talked about as a dark horse pick to win the tournament.  Maplebrook is in the same category.  Both teams had lots of success at the U11 and U12 age groups and it will be interesting to see how it translates to the large field.

Going into the game I knew that PSA has a very fast and talented right winger and a very good sweeper.  Before the game we talked a little bit about being aware of the two girls, but we were not going to switch how we played to keep track of them.

We started the game in our 4-2-1-3 formation and PSA started in a 4-4-2.  For the first 8 minutes PSA was outstanding at switching the fields and finding their open outside mids.  I was impressed at how they were moving the ball and we looked to be in a lot of trouble as we struggled to figure out how to cover their outside players.

When we finally got a hold of the ball we created our first dangerous chance that saw Blitz (RF) take on two players and go in on a semi break away but just as she was shooting the PSA defender was able to knock her off balance and the shot went wide for a goal kick. 

Before the game we talked about how important it was going to be for us to win every goal kick and punt when we play against bigger and stronger teams because if we don't win those balls the ball will get played long into our half and we will have to work hard to get the ball out again.  The girls took on the challenge of winning every air ball and we won almost every punt and goal kick the entire game.  Winning these kicks showed that the girls were mentally tuned in and they were playing aggressive and it made me very proud to watch them sprint to get to every ball before it bounced.

The game was filled with almost chances as both teams were close to creating really good chances only to be stopped by the last defender.  Lk's tireless work in the center mid allowed Gaffer, Jordy, and Mad Dog to each have a couple of great runs beating two or three players but we were unable to create that great chance in the first half. 

At half time we talked about being aware of #10 and we discussed having one of our center mids hang out a little closer to her on defense so we could try to deny her the ball.  We also talked about our success with taking them on 1v1 and we needed to continue to do that but as we got to their sweeper we needed to play one of the other runners through.  Lastly we talked about one of our center defenders dropping early so we don't give up any break aways.

The second half started and we kicked it up a gear and we were able to keep the ball in their half for a majority of the half.  Despite our pressure PSA rarely let us all the way through into their box with their center defender covering a lot of ground and making a lot of great plays.

PSA had one great chance off of a quick switch that saw their forward go in on a semi break away.  AJ who had not seen much action was alert and rushed out and made the initial save.  The ball popped up in the air and it luckily hit off the back of LP's head and went right to AJ before their forward could get to the rebound.  It was a crucial save by AJ since she hadn't really seen any shots and to all of a sudden to be tested against the run of play she came up huge for us.

Towards the end of the half we had two outstanding chances that came down our left side.  The first chance saw a low cross come to Ricky just inside the penalty spot that she rocketed as hard as she could but unfortunately it went right to the goalie.  With how much power she put on the shot if it had gone anywhere else it was a for sure goal.

With 3 minutes left we had our best chance when Kari was played down the left side and she crossed the ball in to Sprout.  Sprout wound up and attempted to volley the ball but she mis-struck the ball and it went rocketing back to Kari who had continued her run into the box.  She one touched the ball perfectly to Blitz who was inside the 6 yard box all alone and her one touch shot went off the bottom of the cross bar.

After the game we were all very happy with the way we played and we are looking forward to Maplebrook on Saturday.

MVP's:
Kari for her skill up at forward and good defense
Bella for her great play at center defense
Carly for her work and skill shutting down their outside mids